LARNCE CLIFTON BAKER

Wasilla resident Larnce Clifton Baker, 73, died after a lengthy illness at his home in Wasilla on July 17, 2003.

His services will be held at The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 901 Bogard Road in Wasilla today. Viewing will be held today from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. Interment to follow at Wasilla Aurora Cemetery.

Mr. Baker was born March 3, 1930, in Hartshorne, Okla. He and his family moved to Alaska in March of 1967. He was working for Rowen Drilling as a driller when they were sent to drill one of the first wildcat exploratory wells in Alaska's Prudhoe Bay. He proceeded with his oil field career and later became a toolpusher for Rowen Drilling until he retired.

His hobbies and special interests included fishing, dancing, gardening, livestock, horse riding, watching old westerns and telling jokes.

His family said, "He was well loved by his family, friends and neighbors. He was known for his generosity and humor. He would help anyone in need if he could. He will be remembered fondly for his wisdom, great sense of humor, and his amazing will for life. He will be greatly missed and cherished by those who were fortunate enough to have known him."

He is survived by his wife Esther Baker; their children, Robert Baker and wife Joy, Shelia Murray and husband Neal, Clifton Baker, Tina Edmondson, Sherry Moehring, Daniel Armstrong, Kimberly Slather and husband Fritz, Guinda Kushin and husband Philbert, Terri Corneiluis and husband Tim, Janice Johnson and husband Allen, and Debbie Jainese; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was one of 14 children. Survivors are his brother Raymond Baker and three sisters, Jewel Barker, Beatrice Leazer and husband Larry, and Betty June Marcum and husband Floyd.

Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral home of Wasilla.