Alfred "Dale" Baker

Alfred “Dale” Baker, 89, of Marion, passed away peacefully at his home on May 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on February 20, 1937, in Lesterville, Missouri, the son of Guy Leo Baker and Beatrice May (Miller) Baker.

Dale married the love of his life, Cora (Craig) Baker, on April 20, 1957, and together they built a life centered around faith, family, and hard work. He worked for many years as a coal miner, providing his family with strength and determination.

In his younger days, Dale enjoyed hunting and fishing until, as those who knew him best would say, he became too tender-hearted for it. Over the years, his passions shifted toward woodworking and building furniture, making duck calls, gardening, restoring Jeeps, collecting knives, and traveling across the United States. Some of his favorite trips included visits to Niagara Falls, the Black Hills of South Dakota, Florida, and Gatlinburg.

Dale was a devoted man of faith. He served for many years as a deacon at Parish Park Church and was a faithful member of the 2nd Baptist Church in Marion. He was also proud to be the founder and president of the River-to-River Knife Club, where he formed many lasting friendships through a shared appreciation for craftsmanship and collecting.

He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Cora Baker; his daughter, Pam (Ron) Ellis; his son, Jamie (Debbie) Baker; grandchildren Bradley, Craig, Joshua, Ashley, and Abigail; great-grandchildren Destiny, Lucas, Breann, Elena, Emelia, Ava, Kiley, Colton, Gertie, and Aurora; brothers Ron (Joyce) Baker, Robert (Barbara) Baker, and John Baker; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Billy Baker; his brother, Guy Baker; his sisters, Lucille Baker and Georgia McCormick.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Blue Funeral Home under the direction of Binkley-Ross. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at Blue Funeral Home, located at 1704 North Court Street in Marion. Funeral services will begin at 12:00 noon with Pastor Robbie Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial donations be directed to St. Joseph’s Indian School P.O Box 100 Chamberlain, South Dakota 57325-0100 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, Tennessee 38102.

Please visit www.binkleyross.com to leave online condolences for the family.