Nile Baker

Nile L. Baker

Nile L. Baker was born on May 20, 1913 in Berlin, Oklahoma to Earl and Olive Baker. He passed away on April 16, 2008 in Roswell, New Mexico.

The Baker Family moved from Oklahoma to New Mexico in 1916. Nile spent his childhood and youth in San Jon and upon graduation from high school, he attended Taft Junior College in Taft, California. He later attended Easter New Mexico University in Portales, where he received a Bachelors Degree in Education and a Masters Degree in Education and Administration.

In 1940, Nile met Lois Hunton while they were teaching in Quay County Schools. Nile and Lois were married on June 15, 1941.

During World War II, Nile served in the U.S. Army in the European Theater as a Medic and earned the rank of Captain before he was discharged in 1946.

Both Nile and Lois taught in the Quay County schools for several years after the War. Nile also served as a school principal at McAlister and was elected to the position of Quay County School Superintendent, serving 4 years in this capacity. During this time, 4 children were born to Nile and Lois: Andy, Roger, Randy and Ginger.

The family moved to Las Cruces, NM in 1956, where Nile served as principal at East Picacho and Hermosa Heights.

He continued course work at New Mexico State University, specializing in reading. In 1972, he established and became the Coordinator of the Learning Laboratory for Reading in Las Cruces Public Schools. Nile and Lois retired from the public schools in 1977. They moved to Clovis, NM in 1982. They were active in a Clovis rock houndslapidary club and their church. In 1994, they moved to Roswell, NM. Lois preceded Nile in Death on March 4, 1008.

Nile was also preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Daniel and Louie; and his sons: Andy and Roger. Nile is survived by his son Randy Baker, his daughter: Ginger Gwartney, son in law: Bruce Gwartney; grandchildren: Hannah and Micah Baker, Katie and Ty Gwartney; sister: Doris Patton; brother in law: Wayne Hunton and his wife and Bess, numerous nieces and nephews, friends and beloved caregivers.

A graveside service is scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, April 26, 2008 at San Jon Cemetery in San Jon, NM. The Rev. Archie Echols of First United Methodist Church of Roswell will officiate.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory. An online registry can be accessed at www.ballardfuneralhome.com

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
8 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Service

Graveside

San Jon Cemetery
1815 Cemetary Rd
San Jon, NM  88434
Saturday, April 26, 2008
2:00 p.m.

Cemetery

San Jon Cemetery
1815 Cemetary Rd.
San Jon, NM  88434