Lyle H. Baker

Baker, Lyle H.
Clifton Springs: Lyle H. Baker 1922 - 2008. Lyle H. Baker, of Clifton Springs, formerly of Phelps, entered into eternal rest on July 3rd at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester after suffering a stroke. Lyle was born in Painted Post, the son of Ernest and Sara Baker, and graduated from Hornell High School. He served honorably in World War II in North Africa and the European Theater as a decorated pilot for the United States Air Force. He was shot down over enemy lines in Eastern Europe and was held captive in the final days of the war. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain.
Following his service, he began his 40-year career with the New York Telephone Company as a lineman. At the time of his retirement, he was an engineer in the company's Geneva office.
Lyle was an avid sportsman who enjoyed many hunting seasons at his camp in Canisteo. He was a member of the Clifton Springs Golf and Country Club. He enjoyed playing basketball with friends, hiking the hills of the Southern Tier, and, in later years, showing his prowess on his pool table. He was a member of the United Church of Phelps until joining the United Methodist Church of Clifton Springs.
Lyle is survived by his wife Theresa (Adams) Baker of Clifton Springs. His first wife of over 50 years Charlotte (Fuller) passed away in 1996. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Janis and George Jess of Marion, Ohio, son James Baker of Central Square and daughter Julie (Robert) Santoro of Albany. His daughter Leslee (David) Fite predeceased him in 2004.
Lyle was blessed with seven grandchildren: James, Doris, Margaret, Susan, Michael, Jacqueline and Christie and seven great-grandchildren: Julia, Matthew, Aedan, Charlotte, Giovanni, Lauren and Sadie. In addition, he is survived by Terri's four daughters and their families Linda (Dennis) Chateauneuf and their 3 children, Janice (Michael) Driscoll and their two children, Nancy (Richard) Paige and Holly (Jeffrey) Linsner and their four children. He is also survived by two nephews, one niece, and several cousins in addition to many longtime friends.
A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church of Clifton Springs on Saturday, July 19th at 1:00 p.m. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the United Methodist Church of Clifton Springs, Project Rainbow Building Fund.
Arrangements have been made by Cheney Funeral Home.