CHAPTER CHATTER
The Official Newsletter of the
Shenandoah Valley Chapter #313
Korean War Veterans Association
Volume 12, Issue 10
Paul E. Bombardier, Editor
October, 2019
Norman L. Baker
KWVA Shenandoah Valley Chapter 313 member, war hero, scientist, publisher and historian passed away at the age of 93 on Sunday, August 25, 2019. He embodied the true American spirit with an unfaltering dedication to his country, his family and the preservation of our nation’s history.
Baker, a 60-year resident of Fauquier County, Virginia lived a long and fulfilling life both professionally and personally. He was born in Reyno, Arkansas in 1926, a child of the Great Depression, learning early the value of hard work and perseverance. He served our country with both bravery and distinction in two major wars. Norman received his BS degree as an aerospace engineer at the Indiana Institute of Technology, was a member of the White House Press Corps, and was a noted historian of the American Colonial Period. Most importantly, he was a devoted family man who cherished spending time with those he loved at his home, Summerset in Virginia.
Entering the military at age 17, Norman fought courageously and heroically as a Fourth Marine Division soldier in the Pacific
Theatre including the battle of Iwo Jima. He later served two tours, often on the front lines in the Korean War. After his service, he was active in a variety of veteran’s causes over the years; keeping in touch with his fellow soldiers and connecting regularly at reunions. He served as a past President of the Fourth Marine Division Association. Norman will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Suzanne, his brothers Glenn and Donald Ray, and his children Gary, Molly, Syntha, Suzy and Maggie. He will be also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren Lora, Alexandra, Catherine, Matthew, Cameron, Patrick, Harrison, Kathryn and Jack, his great-grandchildren Taylor, Imogen, Sawyer and Izobel and his godchildren Tucker and Tommy.
Norman was preceded in death by wives, Peggy Woody, and Lois Shanner Baker, his son, Alan Dale Baker and sisters, Rose Mary Babcock, Glenda LaBlance and brothers, Eugene Baker, Charles Baker.
A funeral service was conducted at 11 am on Thursday, September 5, 2019, at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel, 1600 Amherst Street, Winchester, Virginia. Interment was in Mount Hebron Cemetery, Winchester, Virginia. A luncheon followed the interment at the George Washington Hotel, Ft. Loudoun Room.