Loy Baker, 79, of Nixa, Mo., passed away peacefully after a long illness April 2004.

Loy was a strong Christian and attended church regularly. Loy loved his family, people and animals. He was always there with a smile and a handshake. As a young man in World War 11, he survived his test of fire and came out a hero, having been awarded a bronze medal and a purple heart. he will be remembered as one of the generations of Americans who brought our country through one of its greatest challenges.

Loy is survived by his wife, Alice, of the home; a son and daughter-in-law, Loy L. and Linda Baker of Springfield; a brother, James Baker of Mountain Home, Ark.; and three cherished sisters-in-law, Susan Flanagan, San Antonio, Texas, Carolyn James, Springfield, and Marion Gross, Rogersville, Mo. He was preceded in death by a brother, Leffel Baker.