Marvin J. Baker III

Marvin Joseph "Joe" Baker III, 43, passed from this life on Monday, May 16, at his residence in Staunton, Virginia.
Joe was born on May 28, 1967, in Harrisonburg. He is survived by his loving wife, Krista Thomas Baker, his soul mate of eight years, and his parents, Marvin Joseph Baker Jr. of Harrisonburg and Rosemary Baker of Elkton. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his stepmother, Robin Baker; and five sisters, Terrie Armentrout of Elkton, Fonda Stefane and her husband, Randy, of Massapequa Park, N.Y., and Sirena Baker, Cassandra Baker and Heather Baker, all of Harrisonburg. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his in-laws, Stanley and Margaret Thomas of Dayton, Tamara Alston and her husband, Skip, of Palmyra, Terri Steelman and her husband, Jon, of Bridgewater, and Kim Thomas of Dayton; as well as seven nieces and nine nephews.
After graduating from Turner Ashby High School in 1985, he enlisted in the Navy and trained in San Diego where he graduated from BUDS (Basic Underwater Demolition School), eventually becoming a dive expert and trainer as well as a sniper instructor, while also instructing over 140 advanced mini-sub pilots without one safety incident. He ultimately served in the Gulf War in Operation Desert Storm, and was honorably discharged in 2004 after earning numerous decorations. After his discharge he worked as a bar manager, as lead diver for San Diego Diving Services, and as a military adviser for several films. Joe and Krista graduated from Turner Ashby together, but went their separate ways, reuniting in 2003 and marrying on June 3, 2007. He and Krista left SDDS and started Baker Diving Service before moving back to Virginia to be near family in 2010.
Joe was loved and respected by his many extended "families" in the military and film, as well as his real extended family. We will miss you Joe - you lived as a true man of honor.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 22, 2011, at the Kyger Funeral Home Chapel in Harrisonburg with military rites by the Gooden Brothers V.F.W. Post 9292. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made The Navy Seal Foundation, P.O. Box 5965, Virginia Beach, VA 23471, or to a charity that's close to your heart in Joe's memory.

Rest in peace!!

RIP