Buford Lewis Baker, 98, formerly of Collamer, passed away at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Timbercrest Senior Living in North Manchester, where he had been a resident since 2018.

Born on June 2, 1928, in North Manchester, Indiana, he was a son of the late John L. and Ruby Vera (Westafer) Baker. Growing up in Chester Twp., Wabash County, he completed Chester Elementary School and graduated from Chester High School in 1946. He then attended International Business College in Fort Wayne, earning an Associate's in Business.

Inducted into the U.S. Army on January 26, 1951, he served as a stenographer with the Fifth Army in Germany during the Korean War. On January 10, 1953, he was honorably discharged from active duty.

Returning to the area, he worked for Magnavox/Phillip, Fort Wayne, becoming Director of Transportation. He retired after 30 years of service, because he wanted to spend as much time as possible investing in youth.

He worked with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Fort Wayne for 45 years. He loved having lunch with children and encouraging them. Burford served as a foster parent in Whitley County, providing displaced children a home and helping them find their path in life. He continued to pray for many of these kids until his final days on earth. Through the years, he hosted 16 foreign exchange students, who became his family, keeping in contact with them through Facebook. Frank from South Korea visited in 2024, warming Buford’s heart to see him again. Buford was an active member of the South Whitley UMC, now South Whitley Community Church, regularly attending services and always appreciating the cookies.

With a passion for animals, he enjoyed caring for horses at his country home. “Those horses were like my kids,” Buford fondly remembered. They were spoiled with the best care possible and lots of love. Danny Boy was his favorite horse. Buford acquired rescue Greyhound Dogs, and more recently he kept and cared for Schnauzer dogs. In his younger years, Buford loved and cared for a spider monkey and later a wooly monkey. He also had birds as pets.

Staying active, Buford was a competitive roller blader until age 85. Buford kept impeccable care of his lawn. He enjoyed landscaping, and was especially proud of the bridge he built over a small stream to host a wedding in his back yard.

Buford loved Jesus and he loved people. He was kind, making him a friend to all ages. Buford often joked that he looked forward to serving in the children’s department in heaven. He lived a full life and will be missed by many people.

Surviving are his sisters, Judith (Dennis) Carlson of Winona Lake, Deborah Gay of Columbia City, and Linda Sumpter of Warsaw.

He was also preceded in death by brothers Russell, Jack, and James Baker, and a sister, Peggy Workman.

The funeral service is at 11 a.m. on Saturday (Sept. 26th) at the Timbercrest Senior Living Chapel, 2201 East St., North Manchester, IN 46962. The Whitley County Korean War Honor Guard will present military honors. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the service at the chapel. Arrangements are in the care of Smith and Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley.

Memorials in Buford’s honor may be made to the South Whitley Community Church or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana.

The family would like to thank Timbercrest and Parkview Hospice for their caring and compassionate care.