Lloyd Douglas Baker
Born: September 10th, 1942
Died: July 21st, 2018
Obituary
Lloyd Douglas Baker
September 10, 1942 - July 21, 2018
Doug was born on Sept 10, 1942 in Bakersfield to Vinola Bills and Lloyd Baker. He grew up in East Bakersfield with his parents, brother Jerry and sister Virginia. He graduated from East High in 1960 and joined the army in 1963.
I met Doug in 1970. He was a big, rough guy who always carried a book of poetry in his back pocket. Needless to say, I was intrigued by the contrast. Doug didn't care about appearances; he cared about ideas. He loved music, poetry, science, philosophy and history. At one time, our garage was filled with more than 2,000 books.
He became a Buddhist in 1972 and was the longest living Bakersfield member when he died. Outside of his family, it was his most enduring association.
In 1975 Doug got his AA degree in electronics and went to work for Kern County. But by 1995 his Parkinson's Disease had progressed to the point that he had to retire.
The last two years of his life were possibly our best years together. He looked forward to visits from family and was entertained by the shenanigans of our 3 Chihuahuas. He mentioned twice in the last year that despite his illness he was totally happy.
Doug was predeceased by his mother, father and brother. He leaves his wife Audrey, sister Gina (Charles), daughters Catherine (Doug) and Rose and grandchildren Nathan and Charlotte.
A graveside service will be held for Doug at Shafter Memorial Park on September 15 at 11 am.
Published in Bakersfield Californian on Sept. 9, 2018