MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Darrel Marlin Baker, 78, departed earthly life June 23, 2007, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born July 12, 1928, in Marble Hill, son of William Emro and Daisy Wilkinson Baker. He and Elizabeth "Betty" Ward were married July 31, 1949, in Columbia, Mo. She died May 26, 1966. He then married Barbara Doneson on Aug. 4, 1967, in Marble Hill. She preceded him in death Oct. 28, 2002.

Baker graduated from Jackson High School. He joined the Army in 1946 and served at Fort Richardson, Alaska. Following his discharge he attended the University of Missouri, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in agriculture.

Most of his life he worked in agribusiness. He taught VO-Ag for a veterans' education program; became manager of the Bollinger County and Jefferson City Farm Bureau; became partner and later owner of Shell Feed and Supply Co. in Marble Hill. He retired after working as an independent insurance agent.

Through the years he was very active in the Bollinger County community. He was a former city leader and a past member of the VFW and Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of Cottage of Grace Church in Marble Hill.

Survivors include three sons, Dennis D. (Marilyn) Baker, Stephen L. (Glenda) Baker, Allen D. (Linda) Baker, all of Marble Hill; his children by marriage to Barbara: Vicki (Joe) Seiler of Leopold, Mo., Wanda (J.C.) Harris of Spring, Texas, Teresa Van Gennip and Tony Edward Holmes of Marble Hill, and his daughter by marriage to Betty, Willabeth Pyles of Butler, Mo. Two brothers survive: J.W. (Wanda Mae) Baker of Jackson and Dale E. (Doris) Baker of State College, Penn.; four grandchildren; six stepgrandchildren; five great-grandchildren; four great-stepgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a stepdaughter, a brother and a sister.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Hutchings Funeral Chapel in Marble Hill.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. The Rev. Gene Robbins will officiate. Burial is at Bollinger County Memorial Park Cemetery near Marble Hill with military honors by VFW Post 5900 and a Missouri Military Honors team.