RAPID CITY- Ronald L. Baker, 79, passed away on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at Rapid City Regional Hospital after a yearlong struggle with cancer.

Ron was born in Rapid City on August 3, 1939, to Ronald and Geraldine (Walters) Baker. He grew up as one of three siblings, alongside his twin sisters Sue (Baker) Retzlaff and Lou (Baker) Ham who survive him.

A tough yet compassionate man, Ron served two tours in Vietnam. His career as an army officer would continue from 1961 until he retired as a Colonel in 1991. After retirement from the US Army, he continued to work with young soldiers as an employee of various military contractors.

Although having moved many times throughout his career, Ron eventually settled in Rapid City, which he considered part of God's country. He would spend the rest of his life in the Black Hills hosting friends and family, pheasant hunting, and enjoying the occasional beer.

Ron and Carrie (Knutson) Baker met in high school and would eventually marry on January 26, 1961. Other survivors include son Christopher Baker and his two children (Mackenzie and Matthew), son Andrew Baker and his two children (Bailey and Coby), son in spirit, Jim Macaluso, and daughter Heidi Baker.

Christian Funeral Mass will be offered at 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 4, at Our Lady of the Black Hills with visitation one hour prior to services.

Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery with full military honors rendered by the South Dakota Army National Guard.