Rex K. "Chief" Baker

Rex K. “Chief” Baker, 82, of Drexel, NC died Sunday, February 7, 2016.  Born in Burke County, NC on December 11, 1933, he was the son of the late Carl Newton Baker and Maggie Abernathy Baker.  Chief was of the Baptist faith.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving in Germany during the Korean War, and he worked with his brother at Burke Oil for 35 years.  He loved the outdoors and was an avid golfer and bowler.

Rex is survived by his wife, Reba Self Baker of the home; children, Craig L. Baker of Drexel and Krista Baker Lail and her husband, Gary, of Rutherford College, NC.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Baker was preceded in death by his brother, Gerald Baker; and a sister, Francis Fox.

The family will receive friends from 12 – 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 10, 2016 at Sossoman Funeral Home.  The graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. at Drexel Memorial Park with Chaplain John A. Fowler and the Rev. Michael Duncan officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Air Force.

Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.