Marlin Baker

Marlin Elsworth Baker, age 93, was welcomed into the arms of his Savior on Tuesday morning, July 8, 2025, at his home in Terrell, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 14, 1931, in Los Angeles, California, to Paul Henry and Eileen Eleanor Baker, Marlin’s life was marked by courage, conviction, and unwavering faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Willard and Gerald, and his infant sons Marlin Shim and Marlin Ted. He is survived by his beloved wife of 34 years, Shirley L. Baker, who faithfully walked beside him in life and ministry. He also leaves behind his children—Talitha Dombrowski, Terry Baker, Tim Baker, Tammy Loud, Susan Frans, Denise Daniel, Daniel King, Carol Woods—and a legacy carried on by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. At just 14 years old, Marlin made the most important decision of his life: he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. That decision would shape every step that followed. Answering the call to serve, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in December 1952 and was wounded in Korea. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge. His service to his country extended to 8 years in the National Guard. But Marlin’s calling went far beyond military service. In 1955, he returned to Korea—not as a soldier, but as a missionary, bringing the hope of the Gospel to the very land where he once fought. For 22 years, he served the Korean people with compassion, humility, and a deep love for Christ. He later continued his missionary journey in the Philippines for 5 more years, ministering to those in need of hope and healing. Upon returning to the U.S., Marlin’s mission field shifted to the prisons of California and Texas, where he volunteered as a chaplain for over 30 years, sharing God’s love with the forgotten and the broken. Even into his 90s, Marlin continued to serve faithfully until his health no longer allowed. Marlin Baker was a man who never met a stranger. With a kind smile and a heart always ready to listen, he brought joy and peace to those around him. His life was a living sermon—a quiet but powerful testimony to the goodness of God. His legacy is not just in the places he served or the medals he received, but in the lives he touched, the souls he reached, and the faith he lived out daily. He finished his race well. Services for Marlin will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 21, 2025 at the Max Slayton Funeral Chapel in Terrell, Texas. Marlin will be laid to rest at Dallas/ Forth Worth National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025. Please line up in Lane One upon arrival to Cemetery. . The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, 2025 at the funeral home.

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Marlin Baker

July 8, 2025