Cyrus Elmer Baker

CYRUS ELMER Baker, Jr. passed away peacefully on May 20th, 2024, to be welcomed with open arms by our Lord and Savior. Cyrus was born June 22, 1930, near Jennings, Oklahoma to Cyrus and Myrtle Baker. He was the fifth of six siblings (four sisters and a brother).

He was preceded in death by his wife LaDena. They were married August 12, 1950, and were together for 72 years. A man is often defined by what he did for a living. His legacy is so much more than that. As the head of his family, he leaves behind his four children: Mike (wife Linda), Cyrus (wife Emilia), Lora (husband Lee Golden), and Mary (husband Dean Alberson). There are also fourteen grandchildren, and twenty-four and a half (another one on the way) great grandchildren. Family was front and center the deciding factor in his life. He was the glue that held the family together in good times and bad. Like a stone thrown into a still pond, his influence and guidance spread like ripples in the water.

Cyrus was the only one of his siblings to pursue a higher education. When asked why he wanted to go to college, he responded that “He really didn’t know. It was just an itch waiting to be scratched.” He attended Oklahoma State (then Oklahoma A&M), earning a degree in Geology. He was able to go to university through the ROTC program.

Upon earning his second lieutenant bars, he was sent to Korea where he served honorably during the Korean Conflict. After returning, he earned his master’s in engineering from Purdue University. He attained the rank of major before the army for civilian life. He returned to WSMR in 1964 (where he was previously stationed) and worked as Operations Systems Analyst. He “retired” in 1985. He often said one needs to “retire to something, not from something”.

True to his words he answered to his true calling as a pastor at New Covenant Fellowship. As a pastor for more than forty years his influence and guidance reached across the generations. He thought of himself as the “chief cook and bottle washer” (one of his many sayings). He would work around the church during the week and preach on Sundays.

He was a true handyman, “a jack of all trades, and a master of none”. He could be counted on to help family, friends, and neighbors with whatever needed to be fixed or taken care of. He had a lifelong passion for woodworking and his shop was constantly full of woodworking projects.

Cyrus, as friend, neighbor, member of his church family, Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa, he will be sorely missed. We are greatly comforted by the fact that, in our certain knowledge, he is this day, being embraced by Jesus and welcomed home.

A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held for Cyrus on June 1st, at 12:00 noon at the New Covenant Fellowship. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you give to your favorite charity in his name.

Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E. Bowman Ave. Las Cruces, NM 88001. Please visit www.getzcares.com to sign the local online guest book.