George R. Baker, age 94, of Clinton, departed this life peacefully on July 20 at Methodist Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.

A decorated veteran of World War II, Mr. Baker lived a life of exemplary service to his country, his family, and fellow man.

A native of Pineville, Kentucky, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in the South Pacific for almost four years. During the war, he was awarded several ribbons, citations, and medals, including five Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in battle. After the war, he returned home to raise a family with his wife in Harlan, Ky., while working as a superintendent in the coal mining industry.

Mr. Baker proved to be a hero, not only in combat, but in the workplace, when he risked his life, suffering serious personal injury, to save several fellow miners during a tragic explosion in 1977. He was subsequently honored by the governor of Kentucky as a Kentucky Colonel in perpetuity. [Read more…]