L. J. Baber
January 17, 1930 — May 30, 2016
LJ "John" Baber
John Baber, of Morehead, age 86 passed away peacefully at his home on Monday May 30th , 2016.
John was born on January 17, 1930 in Irvine, KY to his late parents, William "Bill" F and Cora Wise Baber. John joined the Army in 1949 completing his basic training in Ft Campbell, Ky prior to joining the 11th Airborne Recon Company in Ft Benning, GA. in October 1950. He successfully completed 23 parachute jumps before an honorable discharge in 1952.
John retired from the Kentucky State Government serving 38 years with the Department of Social Services Division of Child Welfare. He belonged to the Tenure Club and among other recognitions received his 35 year service pin in 1993 before retiring in January 1995.
After retirement he enjoyed gardening, his John Deere riding mower and crafting with wood.
Survivors include his loving wife June Rawlins Baber and Children: Mark Baber (Linda) Savage, MN ; Connie Baber Tackett (Jerry) Knoxville, TN. ; and Granddaughter, DR Megan Tackett, Gallatin, TN.; Brothers: Alonza "Bud" (Kathleen) Pensacola, FL. ; Bill Baber, Irvine, KY ; Sister: Evalou B. Dawes (Robert), Louisville, Ky. ; And several neices and nephews; preceded in death by: sister, Beulah and infant brother, Jesse.
Services will be held on Thursday, June 2nd at 11:00 AM at the Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Morehead with Dr. Michael Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in the Caudill Cemetery on Sharkey Rd. with full Military Honors by Corbie Ellington American Legion Post 126.
Serving as pallbearers will be the Corbie Ellington American Legion Post 126 Honor Guard.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Bill Baber and Jeffery Terry.
Visitation will be 6:00 PM Wednesday, June 1st 2016 at Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Morehead.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Helping Hands; c/o Wanda Fultz of Morehead and "STAR" Saving the Animals of Rowan Co. , Morehead, Ky. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
The family extends a special thanks to the St Claire Hospice Team; Dr John Hunter Black, Belinda Ashley RN , Loval Lewis RN and Rhonda Lewis CNA who provided heartfelt comfort and assistance during John's brief illness.