Norman Jay Baker

September 09, 2014

Service Details

Norman Jay Baker, 67, passed away as result of a car accident on September 9, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of his life at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa on Friday, September 19, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.

Norm was born December 9, 1946, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Gloria Baker and Bobby (Linda) Baker. He graduated from Saydel High School in 1965 and married Dorothy (Dottie) Hill on March 25, 1972. Norm was in the jewelry retail business for over 40 years, which began at Ardan’s in Des Moines. The family relocated to Decatur, Illinois in 1985, where Norm worked for K’s Merchandise for over 20 years. The consummate salesman with a strong work ethic, he had many long-time loyal customers and earned numerous top salesman honors. Norm never met a stranger.

Norm and Dottie moved to Murfreesboro, Tennessee in 2007, where he worked for Jared’s until his retirement in 2011. He enjoyed good old country music, a challenging crossword puzzle, and any gathering with friends and family. He and Dottie especially loved tooling around in their convertible. Norm was the life of the party, a true friend, and one funny man. He kept everyone around him laughing with his jokes and antics.

Norm’s heart was compassionate and he felt deeply. His greatest joy was his family, a boasting father and grandfather. His grandchildren loved their “Grandpa Doots”, even his constant teasing.

Norm is preceded in death by his brother, Michael Lee Baker; nephew and niece, David and Megan Sweeney; and father and mother-in-law, Clarence and Eloise Hill. He is survived by his wife of 42 years; his parents; daughter, Kristen Parks (Craig) of Houston, Texas; sons, Jason (Cortney), Tyler (Amy), and Erik (Tara Chiapelli) of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Kate, Colton and Emily Grace Parks, Landon, Gracie and Reagan Baker, Lila, Isabelle and Lincoln Baker; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association at www.mdausa.org/donate.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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