Paul Steven Baker, 42, of Kalona, Iowa, died tragically in an automobile accident on Thursday October 8, 2009, near Garrison, Iowa.
Born in Althimer, Arkansas, on March 31, 1967, he was the son of Claudia Marie Hunter and Walter Raymond Baker of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Paul was raised in Iowa, attending Mid Prairie School where he medaled in wrestling. He worked his way through high school and graduated. Paul then attended Kirkwood Community College studying Horticulture. He enjoyed this course of study and was known to make anything grow.
Paul had a love of tools. At the age of 9 he created a car made of wood, mounted it to his bicycle and drove it down the street. This type of intentive talent was one of his strongest character traits throughout his life. He could make almost anything with a single hammer.
Paul learned the construction and roofing business from a long time friend in Kalona. Paul’s reputation as a roofer grew and grew. He was known as one of the best roofers around. Working solo many days, he trained his dog Katie to climb ladders to keep him company on the rooftop. Up until the day he died, he was known as the best and fastest roofer, ever.
Paul was joined in marriage to Debrah Kathryn Margaret Lauritson on August 9, 2002. They worked and planned together on jobs and bids. Paul said that he fell in love with Debrah when she said, “I love Santa Clause, because he is the only man that keeps coming back.” He put Debrah through interior design school and shared a love of animals with her. They cared for German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Boxers, Miniature Pinchers, and Yorkshire Terriers and had over 22 dogs at one time.
Paul enjoyed driving through the country, watching movies, fishing, cutting firewood, and buying anything mechanical that had power. In his chosen line of work and extracurricular activities he had a long history of escaping death. Falling off many roofs to walk away unscratched, having one arm severed and sewn back on, walking amidst a tornado and many others too numerous to mention.
Paul had a friend whom he worked for who led him to the Lord in 1993. When Paul learned about Jesus and salvation he prayed to receive Christ around the winter of 2001. This change in his life came with many trials and hardships, but his salvation testimony spoke volumes to those he knew.
Paul is survived by his wife, Debrah; children, Lindsey Nichole Hudson of Iowa City, IA; Austin Robert Hudson of Des Moines, IA; Kassandra Smith of Oxford, IA; grandchildren, Julialou Cathrine Hudson-Evans of Iowa City, IA; Brenton Rose of Des Moines, IA; Debrah’s daughter, Suzette Marie Lauritson; mother, Claudia Hunter of New London, IA; sisters, Kathy Baker of New London; Karen Trumpet of Solon, IA; Linda Smith of Oxford; brothers, Wayne (Red) Baker of New Sharon, IA; Bobby Baker of California; David Baker of Iowa City, IA; and several nieces and nephews.
Paul was preceded in death by his father Walter Raymond, aunt Dorothy Graves, and one uncle Edward Hunter.
Paul wishes were to be cremated. Cremation services were conducted with the song No More Shackles I’ll Fly Away. Private family services will be held in March of 2010 at the Jones - Eden Funeral Home in Washington. Memorials and condolences may be given to Debrah Lauritson at Jones - Eden Funeral Home, 116 East Main Street Washington, Iowa. Online condolences may be sent for Paul’s family through the web at www.jonesfh.com.
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