Roland Russell BABER Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Roland Russell Baber “POP” March 1, 1922 - June 25, 2015 Roland was born in Correctionville, Iowa, on March 1, 1922; to Eugene Hammond and Adeline Grace (Sowles) Baber. The family included two brothers, Dr. William Baber and Richard Baber; and four sisters: Verdeane Marriott, Mary Gwin, Gladys Hall, and Ruth Laney. Roland was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He passed away at 12:30 a.m. on June 25, 2015, at the age of 93. Roland grew up in Lamoni, Iowa. After graduating from high school, Roland enlisted in the Army on August 5, 1942. He served for 15 months stateside, and then was sent to the European Theater. He landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day plus two days, driving a truck from the landing craft through the water onto the beach under enemy fire. He was discharged in November, 1945, and returned to his home town, where he enrolled at Graceland College and met Virginia Shockley. Virginia was in her freshman year, and it must have been love at first sight, because they were married on June 2, 1946. They were together 63 years. Virginia preceded him in death on July 26, 2009. Roland is survived by his daughters Noralee Faifer and husband Bill, of St. Louis, Missouri; Rhonda Jurgens and husband Jerry, of Rolla, Missouri; and Gini Gaunt and husband, Steve, of St. James, Missouri. Also six grandchildren: Rebecca (Bryan) Schuster, Caryn Faifer, Erin (Jason) Davis, Nicole (Matthew) Wilson, Jacob (Nicole) Thomason, and Amanda (Travis) Bahr; and 11 great grandchildren: Gretchen and Brendan Schuster; Eli, Noble, and Judah Davis; Sydni, Katen, Jayla, and Tess Wilson; and Owen and Truett Bahr. Roland worked for several engineering firms through the years as a draftsman and mechanical engineer. He ended his career at Ralston Purina. Roland never met a stranger. He loved playing golf, watching Cardinals baseball games, going to the beach, traveling, his church, and his family. He and Virginia were able to go on many amazing trips together. The last three years of his life, Roland lived at Bethesda Terrace Senior Apartments; and for the last 29 months was cared for by ladies from Bethesda Senior Support Solutions; many who have become close friends of the family. Their love surrounded him in his final days. Throughout his life, Roland was a caring and compassionate man … an amazing son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and friend. He has touched many lives, and will be missed by all who were blessed to know him. Service will begin Friday, July 10, 2015; with internment at Jefferson Barracks with full military honors at 9:00 a.m. There will be a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. at the Community of Christ Church, 830 North Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood, Missouri 63122; followed by a luncheon held at the Church. (Please RSVP for the lunch by e-mail at nfaifer@att.net.) If you would like to honor Roland, please consider his favorite charities: Backstoppers, Inc. / P.O. Box 66027 / St. Louis, MO 63166 Community of Christ Church / 830 N. Kirkwood Road / Kirkwood, MO 63122