Edwin "E. Ted" Baker

Edwin Theodore Baker "E. Ted Baker", 88, of Council Bluffs, IA, passed away on November 6, 2024.

Ted was born on June 8, 1936 in Omaha, Nebraska. After Ted completed high school, he went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force from 1955-1959.

In 1955, Ted met the love of his life, Kathy, at a dance at Peony Park in Omaha, Nebraska. They married on December 23rd of that year. Ted and Kathy went on to have two children, son, Edwin T. Baker, Jr. and daughter, Kimberly L. Baker Green.

After serving his country, Ted, Kathy and their two children returned to Omaha, where he kickstarted his career as a Ford truck mechanic then going on to own several automotive-related businesses in the Omaha, Council Bluffs and Des Moines areas. His business enterprises began in Omaha with a Mac Tool franchise in 1962 and transitioned to opening a new, independent tool and equipment sales business, Omaha Tool, in 1972. In 1975, Ted opened House of Mufflers in Council Bluffs that later expanded to two additional locations in Des Moines. Ted branched out in 1985 to own and operate Jay B. Towing and Jay B. Trailer Sales, also in Council Bluffs.

In 2015, Ted and Kathy retired from their business ventures, built and began a small business to manage and oversee their residential and commercial properties.

Ted enjoyed giving back to his community throughout his 47 years with the Council Bluffs Optimist Club, acting as its President in 1979-80. He also served as Iowa District Optimist Governor in 1988-89 and was honored as Iowa District Optimist of the Year in 1979-80 and again in 1981-82.

Ted was active in the Fish and Game Club at Lake Manawa and served on its Board of Directors.

Ted enjoyed many outdoor activities like boating, water skiing, hunting with his good dogs, Sadie Mae and Sara Lee, trapshooting and fishing, especially with his family in Canada. He was also an avid horseman and cowboy and ensured his last horse, Diamond Jim (Jimmy) was adopted this summer into a new forever home with a new companion.

Ted was predeceased by his parents and grandson, Brian Baker. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; children, Ed and Lorie Baker, Kimberly and Larry Green; grandsons, David Baker and Ryan Baker; granddaughters-in-law, Kim Baker and Sarah Baker; and great grandchildren, Connor, Emma and Brooklyn Baker.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Interment will be in Ridgewood Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the Council Bluffs Optimist Club and may be mailed to 1221 N 16th Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51501.