Warren D. '"Baldy"' Backer

Ava- Warren D. "Baldy" Backer, 88, of East Ava Road, passed away on Thursday, October 27, 2016, while surrounded by the love of his wife and family, at Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Boonville, where he had resided since September, 2013. A native of Ava, Warren was born on September 8, 1928, a son of Horace C. and Hattie Fox Backer. He attended Ava Rural School on the East Ava Road, later living in Boonville, where he graduated from Boonville Central School, with the Class of 1947. In November, 1950, he entered the U.S. Army, serving his country in Germany during the Korean Conflict, as a truck driver. He was honorably discharged with the rank of PFC on November 25, 1952. After leaving the service he constructed his present home in East Ave. He was first employed for Stanley Ohm Oil Co. Boonville, and later at Revere Copper & Brass Co. of Rome. On March 30, 1951, Warren was united in marriage with Marie Heald in the Remsen United Methodist Church. In 1961, Mr. Backer began his employment as heavy equipment operator and truck driver for the Town of Ava Highway Department, retiring in 1992, after 31 years of employment. Mr. Backer was a member of Ava Hill Top United Methodist Church, Charles J. Love Post # 406, American Legion, Boonville and the Lowville V.F.W. He greatly enjoyed playing cards and driving to Old Forge, to enjoy a hot dog at the Pied Piper Hot Dog and Ice Cream Stand. He enjoyed family functions, attending church suppers and driving around the area. Baldy will be fondly remembered for purchasing "junk" which he later restored to good working condition. He is survived by this wife of 65 years, Marie, one daughter and son in law, Sandra (Mike) Heath, Smithville, MO; three sons, Richard (Lisa) Backer, East Ava, David Backer, East Ava, and Steven Backer, Gilbert AZ; seven grandchildren, Josh, Luke and Tanya Heath, Kayla, Brandon, Jacob and Aidan Backer; two sisters, Janette Malone, Ava and Doris Spinelli, Rome and one brother, Gilbert Backer, East Ava. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Rachel, and brothers, Raymond, Stanley, Willard and Douglas. His Funeral will be Tuesday at 1:00 P.M. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, where Pastor Daniel Richter, of the Ava Hill Top United Methodist Church, will officiate. Interment will follow in Ava Cemetery, where members of Charles J. Love Post American Legion, Harland J. Hennessey Post V.F.W. and the Tun Tavern Marine Corps League will accord Military Rites. Calling hours are Tuesday 10 A.M. until the funeral at 1:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ava Hill Top United Methodist Church, or to the Lowville VFW.