Buford Lewis Baker, 98, formerly of South Whitley, 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 in Germany during the Korean War. On January 25, 1953, he was honorably discharged from active duty.

Returning to the area, he worked for Magnavox/Phillip, Fort Wayne, becoming Director of Transportation and retiring after 30 years of service. He worked a few years as a freight forwarder for National Car Loading.

With care and concern for youth, he worked diligently with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Fort Wayne for 45 years volunteering his time to make a difference in a young person’s life. Through the years, he hosted 16 foreign exchange students, who became his family, keeping in contact with them through Facebook. He served as a foster parent in Whitley County, providing displaced children a home and helping them find their path in life. He was an active member of the South Whitley UMC, now South Whitley Community Church, regularly attending services until recently.

With a passion for animals, he enjoyed riding and caring for horses at his country home, and he had many different breeds over the years. He acquired rescue Greyhound Dogs and cared for a spider monkey and then a woolly monkey. More recently, he kept and cared for Schnauzer dogs.

Staying active, Buford was a competitive roller blader until age 85. He lived a full life and will be missed by the many people he touched.

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.