Hastings resident, Melvin L. Baker, 73, passed away Thursday, October 20, 2011 at his home.

Services will be Monday, October 24, 2011; 10:00 A.M. at Faith Lutheran Church, Hastings with Pastor Paul T. Dunbar officiating. Burial with military rites will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Hastings, Nebraska. Visitation will be Sunday, October 23, 2011; 1:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date.

Melvin was born September 5, 1938 in Morrill, Nebraska to William “Bill” D. & Agnes M. (Benker) Baker. He graduated from Arcadia High School. Melvin served with the U.S. Navy from November 12, 1957 until May 11, 1962. In 1962, he moved to Hastings where he worked as a meter reader for Hastings Utilities for a many years and a guard clerk dispatcher at Farmland Industries Inc. He married Willa Kay Haidsaik in 1964 in Nelson, Nebraska; they later divorced. Melvin was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and was a past member of the Eagles.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Bill & Agnes Baker.

Survivors include:
Son & Daughter-in-law: David & Lisa Baker – Hastings, NE
Grandchildren: Kenyon Baker – Green River, WY
    Grayson Baker – Hastings, NE
Step-Grandchild: Megan Jones – Hastings, NE
Brother: Donald Baker – Hastings, NE
Uncle & Aunt: Marvin & Luella Terrell – Torrington, WY
Numerous Cousins