Steve Baker

Steve Baker, 75, of Morganton, NC, passed away Saturday, October 1, 2022.

Born in Burke County, NC on June 10, 1947, he was the son of the late Martha Bennett Baker and Howard Baker. A lifelong resident of Morganton, Steve graduated from Morganton High School and maintained friendships with many of his schoolmates. He was a member of the ROMEOS (retired old men eating out), a group of MHS classmates and others who joined them. Steve also loved his Tuesday morning breakfast group and looked forward to their time together. He attended Appalachian State University and loved his Mountaineer football team. He couldn’t wait until Saturday afternoon to watch them play on television.

Steve retired from Broughton Hospital in 2012, where he was a Preceptor. After he retired, he began researching Broughton’s history and for 10 years he presented programs on the history of Broughton to new employees of the hospital and the general public. He loved talking about Broughton and would talk for hours to anyone who would listen.

After his retirement, Steve became a certified barbecue judge with the Kansas City BBQ Society. He enjoyed traveling and judging barbecue competitions. Steve was also known for his barbecue skills and homemade baked potato topping. Later he also became a judge with the Steak Cookoff Association.

He was a member of the Morganton Jaycees and served in offices on the local, regional and state level. He was a member of the NC Jaycee Senate.

Steve was a member of the Oak Hill Fire & Rescue Department as a firefighter and first responder, and he also worked parttime with the Burke County EMS.

He was a member of the Morganton Elks Lodge for 55 years. He held the position of Exalted Ruler twice but his first love with the Elks was serving the veterans at the Charles A. George VA Medical Center in Asheville. Steve visited almost monthly, either with a group from the Lodge or individually, to deliver goodies to the veterans. He saw to it that if the veterans wanted or needed anything he would do everything possible to get it for them. As an Air Force veteran, Steve proudly served the veterans with the Elks slogan: AS LONG AS THERE ARE VETERANS THE ELKS WILL NEVER FORGET THEM.

At one time Steve owned a cellular phone business and provided half the folks of Burke County with either a cell phone or pager.

Steve was an interesting storyteller and always had a story to share and could keep you laughing for hours. Most were of his experiences and adventures. One of his favorite stories is how he and Trula were married in their best friend’s backyard during the half time of his beloved Washington Redskins football game. They were married for 47 years.

His creative sayings were always just a breath away and it seemed he had a saying for anything and everything. He enjoyed his Harley and riding with friends. Steve served as a director for the newly formed Brighter House, a first-ever community clubhouse for people struggling with mental health illness.

In addition to his parents, both of whom he missed every day, Steve was preceded in death by an infant sister, Elizabeth.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Trula Baker; daughter, Kim Watson (P.J.); grandchildren, Edith Watson, Thomas Patrick Ryan Watson, and Lindsay and Morgan Vidler; great-granddaughter, Bonnie;; brother-in-law, Bud Lowdermilk (Becky); sister-in-law, Lisa Metcalf (Jeff); niece and nephew, Sloan and Levi Henry; his beloved great-niece, Cate Henry, whom he referred to as “My Sweetheart;” his Bennett cousins; cousin, David Rhodes and daughter, Hannah; extended family, James, Jan, Lauren & Barrett Salisbury Ann, and Frankie and Garen Morris; the Thursday night Elks dinner group; his Elks family; and dog, Bindi Girl.  He truly loved and was loved by his family.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, October 9, 2022 in the fellowship hall of First United Methodist Church.  The memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. in the church with Rev. Dana McKim and Chaplain John Martino officiating.  The graveside service will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery with military honors provided by US Air Force.

Memorial contributions may be made to Morganton Elks Lodge #1852 Veterans Program. PO Box 953, Morganton, NC 28680, or to Brighter House (www.brighterhouse.org), PO Box 1542, Morganton, NC 28655.

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