Thomas Newton BakerJan. 29, 1921 - Feb. 05, 2017VisaliaThomas Newton Baker was born on January 29, 1921 in Glendale, AZ to John T. and Cora B. Baker. He passed away peacefully at home at the age of 96 on Sunday, February 05, 2017.Tom graduated from Kern County High School in Bakersfield, CA in 1939. He met and married Mary Isabell Guinn. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1943-1946. Returning home, Tom and Mary relocated to Porterville, CA where they lived and raised their family. Tom taught welding and machine shop at Porterville High School from 1955-1964 at which time he moved to Porterville College, becoming the head of the Trades and Industry Department, retiring in 1977. In February 2009, Tom met and married Beatrice Allen. Tom enjoyed Friday night potlucks and singing, playing Bingo and visiting friends. He loved hunting, and telling stories of his trips. On sunny afternoons he enjoyed watching his great grandkids play outside, sharing an ice cream sandwich. He had a unique sense of humor, a genuine interest, and a love for candy and sweets. He will be missed dearly by all those that had the chance to know him. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary and son Thomas. He is survived by his wife Beatrice, daughter Lucinda Oliver (Bill), step-daughter Diana (Lonnie) Corley, step-son Calvin (Judy) Hendrex, step-son Jay Jackson and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will miss him greatly.