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Oct. 7, 1945 — March 30, 2020

Walter Lyle “Bud” Baker, 74, of Coloma went to heaven “a shoutin’” on Monday, March 30, 2020, at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph.

Bud was born Oct. 7, 1945, in Berrien County.

He served our country proudly in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and was one of Berrien County’s most decorated veterans. During the war, he was shot 13 times in the chest, arm and leg at Bien Hoa. Despite that, he courageously fought to save his fellow soldiers and received the Distinguished Service Cross. Upon returning from conflict, he became a pastor and chaplain and was known as “Chaplain Bud” to those he helped over the years at Lakeland.

He was a member of Full Gospel Assembly Church in Hartford and was involved with the American Legion, Lest We Forget and Faith Christian Fellowship.

Bud married the former Daundra Holcomb on Dec. 20, 1980. She survives, along with two daughters, Victoria (Rick) Freeman, of Sacramento, California, and Shonie (David) Ceri, of Mishawaka; son-in-law, Kelly Douglas, of Oklahoma; nine grandchildren, William, Anthony, Sara, Missy, Jennifer, Michael, Samantha, Krissy and Kelly; 15 great-grandchildren; a sister, Dorlene, of Alaska; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Bud is preceded in passing by a daughter, Carmean Douglas; his parents, Francis and Hazel; a grandson, Jeremy Statler; and brothers and sisters, Sonny, Gene, Sharon Kay, Deloris, Bettie, Teddy and Ruth.

Bud will be cremated, and due to the current recommendations on the state and federal level, a public memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family has entrusted Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, with arrangements. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at calvin-leonardfh.com.