Dwight P. Baker, age 82, of Iberia, died Tuesday, June 26, 2007, in the VA Hospice at Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, Missouri. He was born on January 29, 1925, in Dixon to Elda Baker, a minister in the Dixon area, and Ellen Porter Baker, a school teacher in the Dixon and Hancock area for over 40 years.

From the age of two until 23, he lived with his mother and brother, Edward J. Baker, with Grandfather and Grandmother Porter on their farm in the neighborhood of Cross Road and Atwell communities in Pulaski County, except for his time of military service. Since 1961, Dwight had resided in Iberia.

Dwight was baptized into Christ in 1930 at the age of five. He was a member of the Christian churches at Atwell, Hancock and Iberia.

He was with the U.S. 29th Infantry Division, 115th Infantry Regiment, in Normandy, France, when he was injured on July 7, 1944, in the battle for St. Lo. Corporal Baker was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar and the Purple Heart. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, and the Iberia American Legion Post 105 where he served as chaplain for over 20 years.

Survivors include his sister-in-law, Dean Baker of Jefferson City; one nephew, James Baker (Judy) of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and two nieces, Carol Ann Baker and Linda Hatfield (Roger) both of Jefferson City. Numerous great nieces and nephews and many other relatives also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother.

Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 30, at the Iberia First Christian Church. Services will follow at 10:30 a.m. at the church with Bro. Stan Way officiating. Interment with military honors will be in Iberia Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Iberia First Christian Church, VA Hospice, or the American Cancer Society.