Richard Baker

Richard M. Baker CHESAPEAKE - Richard M. Baker, 73, of the 1200 block of Mary Ellen Ave., passed away peacefully Monday, May 31, 2010, at his home surrounded by loved ones and friends. Born in Statesboro, Ga., he was the son of the late Freddie and Pearl Baker and was predeceased by a sister, Diane Gunn. Rick retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of service and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. His disciplines were special minesweep sonar and surface search sonar. After retirement, he joined Ford Aerospace and served as program manager and in-country supervisor in Thailand. His work carried him through Indonesia, Korea and Italy. He later retired from Lockheed Martin as a program manager, specializing in sonar installation and programs. Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Lampha Baker; five children, Rand W. Baker and wife Elizabeth, Stacey Ann Harrell, Glen R. Baker and wife Hae Song, Sarina Smith and husband Robert and Krisna Gusterer; eight grandchildren, Catherine Baker, Max Baker, Michael Harrell, Melissa Harrell, Shawn Baker, Alisa Gusterer, William Smith and Andy Smith; as well as a sister, Gail Orlaski. A Buddhist service will be conducted at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 3, in the Great Bridge Chapel of Oman Funeral Home & Crematory, 653 Cedar Road, Chesapeake. The interment with full military honors will be at 11 a.m. Friday in the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk. The viewing will begin today with the family receiving friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.omanfh.com.