John Louis Baker, 91, of Nampa, passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025. He was born to Raymond and Grace Mae Baker on September 5, 1933, in a small town near Blackfoot called Pingree, Idaho. He grew up in Blackfoot, ID with his sister and brothers on the nearby Indian reservation.

John graduated from Blackfoot High School in 1951 and pursued a career in the US Army National Guard. Among many of the duties he had while in the ARNG, his last was overseeing tank maintenance at Gowen Field in Boise. During that period of time in the late 70's early 80's, he also worked for the Union Pacific Railroad in Nampa as a refrigeration carman until they closed for good. He would ultimately become chairman of the UP for the region which would require him to travel frequently. He finally retired from the Army National Guard in 1993 as a full Lieutenant with 42 years of service.

John married the love of his life, June Walker, in December of 1963 and within a few years, their daughter, Vicki, was born in 1969. They would remain married until June's death in 2015, a love that lasted for almost 52 years.

John loved a lot of things in life, but his grandchildren were the most important to him. He loved them with every ounce of his soul and he and grandma would frequently spoil them. He loved dogs, chihuahuas, and had many over the years. They would always be a part of the family just like anyone else and went on road trips or even just down the street with them. After his retirement, it was difficult to care for dogs on his own. However, his granddaughters, Danielle and Samantha took over that passion with their own lovable and spoiled fur babies (Ollie and Fenix) that he absolutely adored. He loved looking forward to visits with the "grand dogs" spoiling them as often as he could. He was an avid gun collector and had collected many over the years. He also had a special interest in black powder, reloading and just about anything to do with military history.

John is survived by his daughter, Vicki Cooper (Greg Cooper), granddaughters, Danielle Quantie (Jordan Silva), Samantha Quantie (Stone Trischan) and Bailee Quantie. His brother, Ed Baker (Nita Baker) and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Anna Fuhrman, youngest brother Eugene Baker and his nephew Gary Cooper.

There will be a viewing on August 21st at the Nampa Funeral Home from 5pm to 7pm.

Graveside services will be held on August 22nd at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens at 11:00 am

The family would like to invite those that wish to celebrate John to a luncheon at the Cooper residence immediately following the services.

2627 Toma Ct.    Nampa, Idaho   83686