Calvin 'Cal' Baker

Calvin "Cal" Baker, 55, longtime Moses Lake resident and community service officer for the Moses Lake Police Department, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2008, at Samaritan Hospital.

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 7, at the Moses Lake Alliance Church with Randy Moore officiating. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake. You may sign the guest book or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com.

Cal was born July 16, 1952, in Bakersfield, Calif. to Otha and Inez Baker. His family moved to the Moses Lake area in the early 1960s where he graduated from Moses Lake High School. He attended Big Bend Community College before enlisting in the service.

He joined the United States Marine Corp in 1972 and served 15 years. Cal worked at the Moses Lake Police Department as a reserve before joining the United States Marine Corp and in 1991 he again joined the Moses Lake Police Department reserve before being hired on full time.

In 1995 he was honored with the VFW officer of the year award. Cal worked as the community service coordinator where he was involved with ensuring child seat safety, seat belt safety, bike rodeos, traffic safety, crime prevention, and neighborhood watch. Recently he was promoted to community service officer. He was involved in law enforcement for over 30 years.

Cal married Cheryl Zimmer on March 24,1994, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and they made their home in Moses Lake. Cal enjoyed spending time with his family, working with the computer, gleaning, gardening and ham radio. He enjoyed working with his hands and helping others.

Cal is survived by his wife, Cheryl Baker of Moses Lake; his children; Melanie Schwindt and her husband Jeremy of Provo, Utah, Joshua Zimmer and Cassandra Blackham of Moses Lake, his grandchildren; Annabella and Braeden; his sisters; Barbara Bradley and Pauline Entriken and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Jimmy Mendenhall.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Moses Lake Police Benefit Association. Cal will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.