Allen Dearle Baker, Colonel (Ret.) U.S. Air Force

Allen D. Baker, 72, died of cancer on February 22, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, retired Colonel in the United States Air Force, and a loyal friend who is deeply missed.

Al was born on October 11, 1952, in Lincoln, NE. His family moved to Colorado when he was six months old. He graduated high school from New Mexico Military Institute and attended college at Colorado State University. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant upon graduation in 1975. He retired from the Air Force January 1, 2003. He loved the Air Force and his many jobs from Missileer to Space Operations. Throughout his career he was known for his hard work, dedication, passion for mentoring and helping others, and his sense of humor.

But more than anything, Al was a devoted family man. He loved Debby, his wife of 50 years, his daughter Alaina, his s-i-l Nick, and his grandson Louden. He loved his brother Rick, and s-i-l Elsie. He loved his extended family, nieces, nephews, cousins, and he was always ready to host family events, travel the world, remodel stuff, attend his grandson’s wrestling matches, and enjoy life’s journey! He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Imogene (Niemeyer) Baker.

In retirement, Al was active at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, having participated as Church Council President, Treasurer of the Trust Board, Sunday School Teacher, and his favorite—teaching children about Jesus at Vacation Bible School. He is a past president of the Corvettes West Car Club, having had more Corvettes than anyone can keep track of. He is a past president of the non-profit Community Grief Center (CGC) Board of Directors and served as their key fundraiser for many years. The impact he leaves on the CGC will last for years. He was a living example of how to live, work, laugh, forgive, and love from a place of generosity. He loved God, his family, and his country, inspiring many along the way. Al put a lot of living between the dash 1952-2025. 

His Memorial will be held on March 13th at 1pm at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1800 21st Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631. He will be inurned at Ft Logan National Cemetery. 

Ever the fundraiser, Al asked that in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory go to the Community Grief Center, 4650 W. 20th St, Greeley, CO 80634.