Newton Dale ‘Newt’ Baker, 89, a longtime Skagit County resident, passed away at his home in Mount Vernon on Friday, February 29, 2008 surrounded by his loving family.
Newt was born on September 29, 1918 in Birnamwood, Wisconsin, the son of Walter C. & Nellie M. Strope Baker.
Newt led a long and fruitful life, having dealt with many challenges beginning with the loss of his father when he was 12. With the loss, the family consisting of his mother Nellie, brother Garland and Newton, the family departed Wisconsin for Belfair, WA where Nellie’s brother Nathaniel lived. They traveled west following a southern route, enduring many hardships, but receiving many blessings and much comfort from the Lord along the way.
The family’s faith was constant and they spread the good news of the Gospel of Salvation wherever they went.
During this time, young Newton felt obligated to work to support his family and was ultimately separated from his mother. Years later, at age 17, Newt finally made his way to Tacoma via a freight train. In looking for work he came to the home of a local doctor. It seemed a miracle when his own mother answered the door. She helped him get work and a place to stay through the kindness of a Dr. Gray, the district superintendent of the Assemblies of God. Newton lived with the Elmquist family who cared for him greatly and saw to his education and comfort. He remained separated from his mother for several more years, eventually reuniting with her in Sedro-Woolley where she worked as an L.P.N. She encouraged him to attend the Northwest Bible Institute in Seattle, so with a ninth grade education he applied and was accepted.
On August 13, 1940 Newt was united in marriage to Velma Laree ‘Tootie’ Huston in Sedro-Woolley, and they had two sons, Robert & Glenn.
During WW II Newt was drafted into the U.S. Army and was being trained for the Normandy invasion but was honorably discharged and sent home when Laree was diagnosed with a serious illness.
In 1947 Newt graduated from Northwest Bible College and was soon assigned to pastor in Maple Falls and Glacier where he supported his family and the church by logging. He later went to work for the state Highway Department where he was a foreman at Shuksan for 10 years and then transferred to Port Angeles where he served as superintendent of highways for 15 years until health issues forced his retirement.
Newt and Laree then moved to Day Creek to be closer to his doctors, and by the mercy of God and excellent medical care Newt was able to live a fairly normal life, working and playing outdoors.
In 1989 Newt & Laree moved to Sedro-Woolley and then in 2003 moved to Mount Vernon. Life was then easier and more comfortable; but as his health declined he was not able to enjoy the activities he loved but remained constant with the Lord and to his loving wife and family.
Newt is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Laree. A son Glenn and his wife Cyndy. 10 grandchildren, several great and great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and by a son, Robert in 2005.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 1:00 PM at the Bethel Assembly of God Church in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor David Holt officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Central Valley Assembly of God Church in Burlington or to Skagit Hospice. Visitation is available on Monday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Tuesday from 9 to 11:30 am at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley.