Sam Paul (Sr.) Baker

Sam Paul Baker Sr., 65, passed away on March 4, 2018 at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas, NV following extensive heart and thoracic surgery. Sam was born in Ely, NV on November 2, 1952 to Orville and Marguerite Baker, the youngest of four children. He lived in White Pine County all his life. He married his wife of forty-nine years, Barbara Lynn Griffith on November 21, 1968. Together, they raised six children and mentored hundreds of others. 

Sam was always a vibrant personality, always exploring new hobbies and challenges, from racing Motorcross to mountain climbing and cave exploration. He served as a scout master in the 70's, and organized the High Desert Grotto in the 80's. His crowning achievement during this time was his club’s discovery and excavation of the cave bears in a cave in White Pine county. 
 
Sam worked many years in White Pine County, beginning at age eleven at Buck’s Supply Co. He worked as a welder for KCC in Ruth, NV, then ran his own welding shop, before entering Law Enforcement where he worked for WPCSO for twenty-five years, serving as coronor, firearms instructor, and commander of the SORT team.  He retired as a Sergeant in 2008.

Sam was such an inspiration for all who knew him. He was always proud of his children and shared his knowledge and experience with them from an early age, giving them an education in nature and sports, and love and generosity that has served them well in their lives. He taught them to question, reach for the stars, and never fear taking risks in the pursuit of new goals. 

He is survived by his wife Barbara; his sons Brandon Baker of Preston, NV, Paul (Alyse) Baker of Las Vegas, NV; his daughters Allyse Baker of Preston, NV, Taunia Baker of Waco, TX, and Christina Baker of Bryan, TX;  his grandchildren Samantha Baker of Las Vegas, NV,  Trevor (Lexi) Baker of Las Vegas, NV, Andy Gagne of Bremerton, WA, Christian Crutherfield of Bryan, TX, and Airik Rodriguez of Germany;  2 great-grand sons; his brother John Baker of Wasilla, AK; his sister Charlotte (Buck) Pryde of Reno, NV; and many admiring neices and nephews who will miss him forever. He is preceded in death by his parents;  his brother Ron Baker; and his son David Baker. 

Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at the Ely, NV LDS Stake Center, 900 Ave E Ely, NV.  Inurnment to follow, at the Ely Cemetery.  The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their Guest Book. 

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