LaVerne Russell Baker

LaVerne Russell Baker, 82, of Asheville, died on Thursday, August 16, 2012, at his residence. A native of Cedar Falls, IA, Mr. Baker was a son of the late Charles Joseph and Amanda Ackerson Baker. He was also preceded in death by sisters, Sharon Agar and Loyce Ebaugh, and by his brother, Charles Joseph Baker, Jr. Mr. Baker was a graduate of Iowa St. Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa). He retired from working as Chief Financial Officer at WGNT television station in Portsmouth, VA. Mr. Baker's retirement project was building his home in Asheville, which he completed in 1996. He enjoyed carpentry, reading, and most of all, spending time with his family who meant everything to him. Mr. Baker was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during the Korean Conflict. Over the years, Mr. Baker had served in many church offices, and had currently been a member of Asheville Family Church. Mr. Baker is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carol Wesseling Baker. The two would've celebrated their 58th anniversary in November. He is also survived by his children, Michael Baker, of Anchorage, AK, Michelle Lloyd, of Iowa City, IA, Mary Porter, of Portsmouth, VA, Mark Baker, of Asheville, and Matthew Baker, of Leicester; sister, Ardeth Kuck; five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be on Monday at 12:30 p.m. at the Groce Funeral Home chapel on Patton Ave. with the Revs. Rolf Woodard and Robert Drake officiating. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, in Black Mountain. His family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.