Neal Wallace Baker

Neal Wallace Baker of Eugene Oregon passed away peacefully in his home on August 2, 2025, just a few weeks after his 97th birthday.

Neal was born on July 21, 1928, in Deer River, MN to Ruby Evaline Lockwood and Archie Earl Baker. Early in Neal’s life Ruby remarried to Jim Hausen. Neal spent many memorable months working in the forest with Jim. When Neal turned 18, he moved to Eugene where his sister Evelyn resided. She got him a job at the Southern Pacific Railroad. Neal spent a year in the army during the Korean war where he received the purple heart.

Neal married Julia Marie Jager of Junction City, Oregon on October 15, 1953. They were married for 62 years. Neal was a loving, devoted and dedicated husband and father, always putting the needs of his family first. Together they raised three children.

After Neal and Julia retired, they spent many happy years traveling and visiting family. They enjoyed playing bridge, and many other games, with friends and family. Neal was also an avid reader.

Neal is survived by his three children, Sharon Marie Hardy of Eugene OR, Alan Earl Baker (Kim) of Granite Bay CA, and Dan Leslie Baker (Connie) of Lehi UT. Neal has 10 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 21 nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sisters Eva Schwartz and Margaret Noble.

He was preceded in death in 2016 by his wife Julia, and by his sisters Frances, Evelyn, Patti, and brother Jimmy.

Neal was a good man who lived a good life. Many people mentioned that he was the kindest and nicest man they ever knew. He was a very quiet man but was also very strong and solid in his beliefs. Many considered him a rock.

While he rarely spent money on himself, he paid to bring the entire family together every two years for a reunion. The children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren will always remember the fun times together at the beach where strong family bonds were built.

Neal was a skilled craftsman who built several houses. He could fix just about anything around the house and would help the neighborhood kids repair their bikes.

Neal’s legacy will live on through the values he instilled in his children and down to his grandchildren as well. We will miss him tremendously.

A graveside service will be held at 1pm on Friday, August 22 2025 at the Rest Lawn Cemetery near Junction City Oregon.