Linden Eugene Maker

© The Guthrie News Leader

Wednesday, March 3, 2004

Graveside services for Linden Eugene Maker will be Thursday, March 4 at 1 p.m. at Memory Gardens Memorial Park under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Guthrie, the Rev. Roger Pitt and Rev. Rick Haug officiating.

Linden was born March 18, 1931, to Hazel Esther Kelly and Harold Maker in Guthrie. He was the fourth child in a family of five.

Linden graduated from Guthrie High School in 1949 and began pipe lining before joining the Navy in 1950, serving in the Korean Conflict.

After discharging from the Navy in 1954, Linden worked in the oil field and later at the ice plant delivering ice. In 1956, Linden became a firefighter for the City of Guthrie. He maintained this position working all the way up the ladder to Fire Chief. He served as Chief for four and a half years before retiring in 1976, after 21 and a half years of service.

Linden married Joan Montgomery in 1979 and established residence on a farm east of Guthrie. He began farming and tending cattle.

Linden worked as a plumber for years in Guthrie and established himself, especially with the older generation, as someone who would take care of them. Even after retirement and health problems, he continued to take care of them.

Linden was a member of the West Guthrie United Methodist Church since childhood. He also belonged to the VFW and the American Legion.

Linden truly enjoyed his life. When asked how he was, his usual reponse was, "Fine! Fine as a frog hair!" He never met a stranger he couldn't strike up a conversation with.

He said if he had a favorite hobby or pastime, it would be trout fishing and hay season. He loved driving his tractor.

Linden was always proud of his children but nothing added sparkle to his eyes like his grandchildren.

Linden was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Billie Maker.

He is survived by wife Joan of the home, seven children: Susan Louthan and husband Dennis, Chester, Sandy Waddell, Guthrie, Linden Jr. and wife Rhonda, Buffalo, Wyo., Ted Maker and wife Janet, Coyle Angelia Seling and husband Mark, Coyle, Betsy Ball and husband Josh, Guthrie; two brothers: Delbert and Mary Jo Maker, Guthrie, and Tommy and Peggy Maker, Guthrie; a sister Elenor and husband Human Paul Drumright; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.