Earl F. "Buck" Baker Jr., 87, was reunited with "man's best friend," his Bonnie, on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015. He was born and raised in Hutchinson, the youngest and last surviving of four siblings, Edward Baker, Robert Baker and Marjorie Woleslagel, all children of Earl F. and Katherine (Williston) Baker.

Buck graduated HHS early to enlist in the US Navy and dutifully serve in World War II. He was stationed in Guam as a mechanic. Truman ordered using the atomic bomb to quickly end the war, days before Buck's Seabees were shipped to Japan. After the war Buck completed three years of engineering at HCC and Kansas State University. He was persuaded to come home and jointly farm with his brothers south of Hutchinson. He was the only one of them 40 years later farming in this area, using his many inventions to be self-reliant. Retiring to Hutchinson with his faithful, well-trained dog, his farming downsized to supplying fresh tomatoes to Smith's Market. Later years projects included mobility inventions, customizing his home and helping Heather, Karl and Von Woleslagel with their pets. He and BonBon spent some of their last years living again "in the country" with them. Survivors include: his last dog, "BonBon"; nieces and nephews, William Baker, and Mark and Leann Woleslagel of Hutchinson, Lynn and Glenn Reiff, John and Kathy Baker, Jean Ann Reid, all of Colorado, Jim and Vicki Baker of Goodland, Carol Ann Hammond of Arizona; great-nieces and nephews and friends.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hutchinson, Military Honors will be conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Memorials may be made to the Reno County Veteran's Memorial Fund, Disabled Veterans of America or Hutchinson Animal Shelter, all in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.