Floyd R. Baker

Memorial Services for Floyd R. Baker will be conducted from the Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Holdrege, Nebraska on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Kenton Birtell, officiating. Private family inurnment will be held at the Prairie Home Cemetery at Holdrege, prior to the memorial service.

Floyd Richard Baker, 67 years of age, of Kearney, Nebraska (formerly of Hill City, Kansas and Holdrege) passed away on Friday, March 5, 2010 at the Good Samaritan Society-St. Luke's Village in Kearney with his family at his side following a lengthy illness.

Floyd was born May 31, 1942 on the family farm northeast of Phillipsburg in Phillips County, Kansas, the son of Martin D. and Florence E. (Whitney) Baker. He received his education at Holdrege, graduating from Holdrege High School with the class of 1960. Following his education, Floyd was employed in floor covering and service station management. In 1962, he was united in marriage to Kathleen Valentine and to this union two children were born: Lori and Chadd. The family made their home in Pratt, Kansas, and returned to Holdrege in 1974, where Floyd was owner/operator of Suds 'N Scrub car wash and lube, Holdrege Wrecker Service and continued to install floor coverings.

In 1996, Floyd was united in marriage to Clarene Law and the couple made their home in Hill City, Kansas. With this marriage, Floyd added three step-children: Steve, Chad and Penny to his life.

He enjoyed music, playing guitar, cars including driving a stock car at Great Bend, Kansas and especially loved the time spent with his grandchildren. He was a member and attended Alcoholics Anonymous.

Due to his failing health he had made his home at the St. Luke's Good Samaritan Village since April of 2008.

He leaves to mourn his passing his daughter, Lori Cleveland and her husband, Rick of Grand Island, Nebraska; son, Chadd Baker of Kearney; granddaughters: Briana Cleveland of Grand Island and Allison Baker of Kearney; grandsons: Joshua Cleveland of Grand Island and Nickolas and Alex Baker both of Kearney; two sisters: Doris Nanfito of Holdrege and Helen Molzahn and her husband, Ronald of Kensington, Kansas; one brother, Roger Baker and his wife, Betsy of Woodward, Oklahoma; brother-in-law, Fred "Bud" Stutheit of Albany, Oregon; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Glen, Leslie, Martin "Earl" and Vern; sisters: Ruther Rogers and Flora Stutheit; sisters-in-law: Joy Baker, Verda Baker and Patricia Baker; brothers-in-law: Leighton Howell and Joe Nanfito; and a grandson, Andrew Christian Cleveland.

There will be no visitation; the family is honoring his wish for cremation.

A memorial has been established in his memory and will be designated at a later date.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.