Major Dennis “Nik” Baker, 95, of Peachtree City, Ga., passed away peacefully on 7 June 2014, after a brief battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
The youngest of seven children, he was born on 1 January 1919, in Sabraton, W. Va., to the late Antonios (Tony) Dionysius Bakirtzoglous (changed to “Baker” shortly after arrival in America from Greece) and Efpraxia (Praxia) G. Tzoras. He grew up helping with the family business, Peoples Bakery in Washington D.C. He joined the Army Air Corps on 19 August 1942 and completed 30 missions with the final one being the Battle of the Bulge in December of 1944. He also re-enlisted in the US Air Force on 12 May 1950. On 25 August 1950, he married the love of his life, the late Jeanette Irene Timbers.
During his military service, he was stationed in Burtonwood and Burdrop Park, England; Bitburg, Germany; and Baltimore, Maryland; before retiring from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio in 1963. After operating his own business for a brief period, he began a career in civil service from which he retired in 1977.
Throughout his life, his response to every adversity was a “Can-Do” attitude, just like the motto of the 305th Bombardier Group to which he belonged. He was loved for his quick wit, humor, and direct communication. Throughout his illness, he never gave up hope; he always remained positive about his future–even to the date of his passing.
He was preceded in death by his wife Jeanette and is survived by his three children Jennis (Keith) Rice, Anthony Tim (Paula) Baker, and Mary Ann Baker; his three grandchildren Emilie (Randy) Denson, Aaron Rice, and Steven Gillespie; and his two great-grandchildren Jenna and Joshua Denson.
The family would like to especially thank the nurses and staff at Arbor Terrace of Peachtree City for the great care, love and concern they provided. They will never be forgotten.
A Celebration of Life service was held Monday, 9 June 2014, at Arbor Terrace Peachtree City for close friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Oral Cancer Foundation, www.oralcancerfoundation.org or The Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mowellfuneralhome.com.
Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Peachtree City -www.mowellfuneralhome.com
