Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
John BAKER Obituary
He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Aug. 21, 1937, to the late Lloyd W. and Sara Graves Baker. After living in the Midwest for eight years, his family moved to Catonsville, Md., in 1945. He graduated from Catonsville High School in 1955. He graduated from Georgia Tech in 1959 with a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering. He then entered the United States Air Force for three years and was discharged at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.
John began a career with Westinghouse Electric Corporation in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1962. He was transferred to the Westinghouse Field Office at Newport News Shipbuilding in March 1970 to work on the Nimitz Class aircraft carriers. After a 35-year career, he retired in April 1998.
John was an active member of Northside Christian Church for more than 40 years. A former elder, he also served in many ministries, including the building committee following the fire which destroyed the church building in 1999.
John is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sharon Peterson Baker; three children, Stephanie Baker of Charlottesville, Va., Carolyn Flowers and husband, Steve, of Columbus, Ohio, and Andy Baker and wife, Gerri, of Joppa, Md.; sister, Donna Baker and husband, Blake, of Atkinson, N.H.; sister-in-law, Beverly Peterson of Warren, Mich.; and five grandchildren, Jordan, Heath and Tanner Flowers and Elena and Kristina Baker; three nieces, Kimberly Ajgaonkar of Steamboat Springs, Colo., Kathy Robertson of Detroit, Mich., and Karen Donnelly of Berkley, Mich.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at Northside Christian Church by Larry Jones, Senior Minister. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. Interment will be 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mt. Airy, Md.
Memorial donations may be made to the Northside Christian Church Building Fund, 1300 George Washington Memorial Hwy, Yorktown, VA 23693.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John BAKER
Bob Bragg
December 27, 2010
Sharon,
I just recieved your note and was sorry to hear about John. Since we grew up a few blocks away from each other we were close all through high school when we each left for different colleges. We played on the same Little League team and went to dance class together even though only our parents thought it was a good idea. Since our first suits were strong enough to last forever John had to wear his pajama pants underneath because of his fair skin but he made it OK. I'm sure there are a lot of people who will miss him but I believe its also important to be grateful for all the time he was with everyone. It seems fitting he is now in Mt. Airy and left such a large, and I'm sure, terrific family behind.
Hal and Janis Pirkl
December 13, 2010
Dear Andy and family, we were so sorry to hear of your Dad's death. You will always mean a lot to us and we want you to know our prayers for strength, peace and comfort are with you and your family through this very difficult time.
Suzi & Ron Lamprecht
December 12, 2010
Sharon, Stephanie, Carolyn, and Andy, we cannot express how sad we were to hear that John had left us. We know that he fought gallantly. He was always such an encourager. No matter what anyone was going through, his gentle manner, wise words, and tenderness were always such a comfort. We will never forget how much he loved Mom and the friendly bantering that always took place between them. You knew without a doubt that he loved her. He loved everyone. There just is not another John Baker. He will be missed by all who knew him. We love you all.
Penney Martin
December 11, 2010
Dear Sharon, Steph, Carolyn, and Andy: I do not have to tell you how very special your family has been to us over the years. John and Billy traveled this road together, and now they share yet another road together. I know Billy was probably the first one he met after seeing Jesus face to face. The support and love you all showed to us will never be forgotten. We loved John and especially his wonderful sense of humor. He will certainly be missed. Blessings and love to all of you. Penney
December 11, 2010
John was such a great person and loved by so many people. Even though I no longer lived there, he always greeted me and Ken with such a warm and loving feeling. He will be truly missed by all. Sandy McCrickard
December 9, 2010
Sharon and family,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you during these difficult days, May happy memories surround you and bring a smile to your heart (maybe even a giggle) even as a tear of sadness dampens your cheek. John was a kind, caring person with a great sense of humor that we so enjoyed.
Praying God's love brings comfort to you at this time. With love, hugs and our sincere deepest sympathy.
Bryce & Jolene
The Grace Hinkel Family
December 9, 2010
Dear Sharon and family,
The memories of John, Sharon and families coming to Iowa are priceless. We always looked forward to visiting with you when you were in Iowa. The Memorial Day picnics in Moorhead hold fond and precious family memories for all of us.
May God's comfort be with all of you at this difficult time in your lives.
All of the Iowa "Rustins" will miss him.
Love to all of you.
Diana & Robbie George
December 9, 2010
Dear Sharon, Stephanie, Carolyn, Andy and extended family;
I have such fond memories of your Husband/Dad! He was a true example of God's love, grace, mercy, kindness and wisdom. He helped with laying a great foundation for Northside Church and a wonderful legacy he leaves behind for so many people!! His sweet and humble spirit will truly be missed at church and within the community that knew him. God bless each of you as you begin the healing process of losing someone so dear to your heart! Love you all!
Lori Staples
December 9, 2010
Dear Mrs. Baker and family,
I was so sad to hear of Mr. Baker's passing. Throughout my life he has always been a fixture in it. From Northside, JR. church, camps, family events with my grandparents, the Timberlakes, and then these past three years through work. He was very special to me, and especially these last few years I have enjoyed seeing him at the retiree luncheon, around the neighborhood as I run, and even at my Menchville softball games. He was a great man. My family is deeply saddened with his loss, you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lori Dynes Staples
Joan & Bob Upshaw
December 9, 2010
Dear Sharon and family,
We remember John well and all of his volunteer activities especially with the Cub Scouts and Hidenwood Elem. Our deepest sympathy and prayers to you all.
Tim Baldwin
December 8, 2010
John and I worked together for over 20 years in the RPCO office at the shipyard. He was my mentor and the person I went to when I wanted some sage advice about testing the nuclear reactors on the Nimitz class aircraft carriers. John never lost his temper, even when he had every right to do so. He was respected and admired by everyone he came in contact with, including the shipyard, ship's force, Bettis and Naval Reactors people. I wasn't aware of John's extensive church work, but not surprised. He always put others before himself. He is now in heaven with God. May God bless his family!
Conita Williams
December 8, 2010
Dearest Sharon and family,
my thoughts are with you. Knowing that you are a Christian family, you know and understand that for John, the best is yet to come. Cousin, Conita
December 8, 2010
Dear Sharon and Family,
We were greatly saddened to hear of John's passing. He was truly one of the greatest inspirations to us. It was our honor to have known and worked with him at the church. Both you and he were great assets to my greeting team. We will all miss seeing his smiling face around the church. May God give you peace in knowing he is with God.
Brady and Linda Earnhardt
Frederick Fritts
December 8, 2010
I was saddened to learn of John's passing. We worked together for many years at the shipyard, and I know no finer Christian man. My sincere condolences to Sharon and his children. Fred Fritts
Becky Reichart
December 8, 2010
Dear Sharon, Two of my favorite memories of ya'll. 1. When you snuck up and scared us to pieces at that Dairy Queen you just happened to be at when we were each on separate road trips (I think you were returning grandkids to Ohio). 2. Watching you and John cut a rug out at Fort Monroe. I remember watching ya'll and seeing your love for each other and your love for life. John is someone we will not forget. He was a man after God's heart and we will miss him so much.
December 8, 2010
Dear Sharon, Andy, Stephanie & Carolyn,
Our deepest sympathy to you in the passing of John. Our prayers are with you for peace and comfort during these difficult times. John was such a humble, gentle Christian man who was always concerned about others. We always remember his love, and acts of kindness to us during our time at Northside.
Love,
Taylor & Micheal Jefferson
Beverly Sigler
December 8, 2010
Dear Sharon,
Just wanted to let you know I'm praying for you and your family.. I will miss my "Brother from another Mother."
Love Bev
Jenny Mosier
December 8, 2010
Sharon--you have been in my thoughts & prayers since I heard the news. My heart is broken that John is gone, but I am so very blessed with so many wonderful memories of him. I love you all dearly.
Kelly Shepherd
December 8, 2010
I can't remember a Sunday that I saw John in the lobby that he didn't stop to hug me and ask about my kids. He will be missed by so many. I'll be praying for you and your family...
Alan Mitchell
December 8, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was so great to work with at the yard. He was also so friendly and great to talk with. You are all in my thoughts.
December 8, 2010
Andy and Family-The Evans family is sorry to hear of the passing of John. We never knew him but have been blessed by having known Andy. Often times much can be learned about a father by viewing the life of a son or daughter and having known Andy, I can tell John was a loving, caring person with an eternal Christ-centered focus in life. Many people around the world have been blessed by Andy and Gerri and their ministry to children around the world and as you celebrate John's well-lived life, we all rejoice with the legacy he leaves through the life of his kids and grandkids. May God bless you and your family.
--Mike Evans
Brenda Ruark
December 8, 2010
Sharon,
I'm deeply saddened to learn that John has gone away, although I rejoice that we know he is now fully alive in the glorious presence of his Lord. I will miss John very much, and I'm sure it will take a while before I'm not looking for his welcoming smile and hug when I arrive at church.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Sincerely, Brenda Ruark
Jim Davis
December 8, 2010
Sharon and Family,
We came to know John when we started attending Northside 4 years ago. During this time we have been overwhelmed with the love and compassion shown by him and you. We always looked forward to those senior's trips because of the fellowship we shared and John's handshake and a hug on Sundays made our day. As a former Air Force member stationed at Offutt, John and I would trade stories about that base and our time in the service. I'll always remember John visiting me in the hospital and giving me communion. He helped make our relationship closer with God. We are here for you Sharon. so please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. You are in our prayers.
Love, Jim & Helen Davis and sister Pauline
Teresa McPherson
December 8, 2010
Sharon,
It hurt my soul so deeply to hear of John's passing. The kindness he showed to me will always be cherished in my heart. I will always remember him everytime I do a cookie call!
Linda & Paul Vinyard
December 8, 2010
Sharon (and family),
You are in my prayers. I sure am going to miss those hugs from John. He was such a sweet man and I loved him so much. Thank you for sharing him with me. The love the two of you showed each other and to others is amazing. You and John have really shown the love of God through you. Please let Paul and I know of anything we can do for you.
Love, Linda and Paul Vinyard
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
Make a Donation
in John BAKER's name
Memorial Events
for John BAKER
Funeral services provided by:
Peninsula Funeral Home & Crematory11144 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John BAKER's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
