Retired Lt. Col. John Donald Baker Jr., 71, of Stafford County passed away Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg.

Mr. Baker was born Jan. 20, 1938, to John Donald Baker Sr. and Helen Fallon Baker, in Brewer, Maine.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star. Assigned to military intelligence, he served as a Russian area specialist. After retiring from active duty, he continued his service as a consultant with the Defense Intelligence Agency as well as the Air Force.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Glenda Baker, three children, John Donald Baker III and wife Laura of Nebraska, Daniella Helen Marie Serven and husband Douglass of Stafford, and Glenn Baker of Alexandria; six grandchildren, Douglass K. Serven, Victoria Serven, Derrick Serven, Dustin Serven, Devin Serven and Jacquelyn Baker; and two brothers, Edward Baker of Maine and James Baker of New Jersey.

Inurnment with full military honors will be conducted May 20, 2010, at 11 a.m. in Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Aerhq.org, which helps provide emergency financial support to soldiers, active and retired, and their families.

Condolences may be sent to mullinsthompsonfuneral home.com.