Larry Donald Baker

Larry D. Baker, 87, of Waterloo, passed away Monday. November 11, 2024 at Friendship Village Wellspring. He was born November 6, 1937, in Waterloo, the son of Forrest and Invenlene (Owens) Baker. He was a 1956 Waterloo West High School graduate and attended the former Iowa State Teachers College. He served in the U.S. Air Force.

He married Lauraine Rose Lanz on October 5, 1963, in Waterloo; She preceded him in death on April 7, 2022.

Larry started in the Hearing Aid Sales and Service business in 1961, then owned and operated Black Hawk Hearing Aid Center from 1963-1987. He continued working as a board-certified hearing aid specialist until retiring in 2000.

Larry was a member of First United Methodist Church, where he was an usher and served on several committees over the years. He was also past president and class coordinator for the Iowa Hearing Aid Society for 20 years. He also served on the Iowa Licensing Board for two years. He has volunteered at Covenant Medical Center as a Care-A-Van driver since 2000 and delivered Meals on Wheels. He and his wife Lauraine traveled throughout Europe, Aruba, and Florida. After retirement, he enjoyed bowling three times a week. They were both members of the Black Hawk County Street Machines Club. He was chairperson of the West High School Class of 1956 class reunions.

He is survived by two brothers, Lynn (Pearl) Baker of Tucson, AZ, Lee (Sharon) Baker of Peoria, IL; a half-sister, Lillian McFall of Colorado Springs, CO; and nieces and nephews, John (Connie) Baker, Steve (Kimbra) Baker, Ryan Baker, and Robin Baker.

He is preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, Joyce Sommer; his wife; a half-brother, Allen Baker; and a stepbrother, Pete Baker.

Services will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 23 at Waterloo First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 4 – 6:00 PM, Friday, November 22, at Locke at Tower Park, as well as one hour prior to the service. A private family inurnment will take place at Howard Township Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Waterloo First UMC. Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com