Eugene "Gene" Baker

Gene Baker passed away at the age of 81 years old. Gene was born Lloyd Eugene Hazelwood, Jr. to Lloyd Eugene Hazelwood, Sr. and Earleen (Newby) Hazelwood on December 11, 1941. Earleen and Lloyd would go on to divorce and Earleen’s second husband, C.R. Baker, adopted Gene, changing his name to Eugene Baker.

Gene graduated from Carmel High School, class of 1960, and he wore many hats throughout his life. He managed the Carmel Theatre, and later owned the Zionsville Theatre, as well as the Carmel Ice Cream Shop; he worked at a number of radio stations in the Indianapolis area, and drove a bus for Carmel Clay Schools for 48 years.

He married his wife of nearly 55 years, Renaye (Wethington), on August 10, 1968. They had three children, Melisa (Chris) Rump, Deborah (Jim) Kaufmann, and William (Katie) Baker. He is survived by Renaye, his children, three grandsons, and two granddaughters, along with his siblings Terry Baker, Michele (Hazelwood) Lynch, and Mike Hazelwood.

He is preceded in death by his mother (Earleen), father (Lloyd), and stepfathers, C.R. Baker and Richard Hiatt, along with two sisters, Barbara Hazelwood (age six months) and Sharon Baker (age one day).

A public visitation will be held Friday, July 21, 2023 at 12:30 in Carmel Friends Church, 651 W. Main Street, Carmel with a private funeral to follow.

It was always Gene’s wish to be seen, and not viewed. Please take 15 minutes to hear Gene in his own words: https://youtu.be/rX8t5KJzVyo

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.

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