Joseph F. Baker

BAKER Joseph F. Baker, went home to be with the Lord on October 31, 2012 in Tucson, AZ. Formerly of Cocoa, FL, Columbus, OH, and Spangler and Loretto, PA. Born March 20, 1928, in Youngstown, OH to Clara (Kline) and Frank Baker. Preceded in death by first wife Gertrude (Adams), on November 15, 1993, second wife Edna (Justice), on April 23, 2011, parents, siblings John, Eileen Halm, Irving, and Francis, and infant son Paul. Beloved father of Lisa Baker; Joseph and Pam Baker, and children, Paul (Chase and Julia), Cristin and Nat Saguisi (Natalie), and Ryan and Sarah (Teddy); John and Karen Baker, and children, Laura Baker and Andrew Rowe (Aiden), and Sarah and Patrick Gallagher; Claire Allen-Baker, and children, Jennifer and Ryan Naquin (Kaliegh and Jayden), Katherine Allen and Kyle Allen; and Katherine Baker. Also survived by sister-in-law, Mary Jane Baker, and brother-and-sister-in-law, John and Elsie Adams. He joined the Navy in 1948, transferred to the Air Force in 1957, and retired in 1969 as a M'Sgt. Owner of Baker Refrigeration in Columbus for 25 years. Member of the Knights of Columbus Council XXIII 5429, American Legion and DAV. Joe spent a lot of time doing charitable work through the K of C and his church. Joe loved to travel, after high school he traveled by bus and hitch-hiked his way across the US, visiting relatives and earning money as a laborer, until he reached the west coast and joined the Navy. Throughout his life he continued his travels whenever possible, and in the weeks before his passing he talked of taking one more trip. Viewing Tuesday, November 6 at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, 614-539-6166, from 5-8 p.m. Funeral mass at St. Mary's Church, 684 South Third St., in German Village, on Wednesday, at 11 a.m., with entombment to follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Lockbourne. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations be made to the American Heart Association, a shelter for the homeless or St. Mary's Church.