Robert "Gene" Eugene Baker

Robert Eugene “Gene” Baker, age 92 of Whiteland, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday morning, February 5, 2025 at Franciscan Hospice House in Indianapolis.

Gene was born September 14, 1932 in Whiteland to his parents the late Floyd E. and Mary Leota (Borders) Baker. He attended Hopewell Elementary and was a 1950 graduate of Whiteland High School and went on to proudly serve his country as a Storekeeper 2nd Class Petty Officer with the United States Navy.  While in the Navy, Gene married the love of his life, Margaret “June” Ratliff on November 29, 1952 in San Diego. Together they were blessed with 5 children and 72 years of marriage.

After the Navy, Gene owned and operated Baker’s Service Station in Bargersville from 1961-1971 before becoming a truck driver for RO Barber, Bodge Lines and for Turner Trucking until his retirement in 1991. Gene and his wife June attended the Samaria Christian Church and were former members of the Greenwood Christian Church.  In his free time, Gene enjoyed fishing, watching baseball, basketball and football, and would always cheer on the Pacers and Indianapolis Colts. Gene also enjoyed time at the Horseshoe Indianapolis Casino in Shelbyville. Most of all, Gene loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He will be missed by his wife, June Baker of Whiteland; children, Julia (Kevin) Benefiel of Westfield, Jeannie (Bruce) Beisel of Rossville, Terry (Kelly) Baker of Indianapolis, Kimberly (Dave) Dunbar of Franklin and Douglas Baker of Wanamaker; grandchildren, Ty (Leticia) Benefiel, Brock Benefiel, Cody Benefiel, Grant Benefiel, Bryce Baker, Travis (Keri) Beisel, Joelle (John) Brenia, Taylor Dunbar and Cole (Libby) Dunbar; 5 great grandchildren; siblings, Carroll (Kakes) Baker of New Jersey and Shirley (Don) Cox of Franklin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Francis, Edward, Allen and Earl Baker and sisters, Evelyn Miller, Judy Ramsey, Maggie Lapack, Ann Ferrell and Ywanna Bridges.

The Pastor Shan Rutherford will conduct a funeral service at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 9th at Meredith-Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center, 179 E. Mulberry Street in Morgantown. Friends may call from 12 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Burial will be at East Hill Cemetery in Morgantown with military rites presented by the Indy Metropolitan Military Honor Guard and the United States Navy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution can be made in memory of Gene to Riley Children’s Foundation: PO Box 3356 Indianapolis, IN 46206

Condolences may be sent to the family at meredith-clark.com.

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