Robert L. Baker

ROBERT L. BAKER, 72, of rural Ossian, died Sunday, April 1, 2007, 5:20 p.m., at Hospice Home, Fort Wayne. He retired in 1996 as an operator/ foreman from Fox Contractors Corporation and had been a member of the Local 103 Operating Engineers being recognized for 50 years of service. He also had the business of Betts and Baker Construction Co. lnc., from 1964 to 1974. He was a full time farmer from 1975 to 1989 and most recently assisted his son, Tim, in farming. His hobbies included family, especially grandchildren, woodworking, and working for the church. He was a member of Ossian United Methodist Church. His community service included serving from 1983 to 1993 on the Board of Zoning Appeals. He and his wife worked with the Ossian Development Corporation to contribute to the growth of Ossian forming the Ossian Industrial Park. He served in the Korean Conflict from 1952 to 1956 following graduation from Markle High School. Born Aug. 6, 1934, in Bluffton, he was the son of the late Boyde and Josephine Meyer Baker. He married Carol Ann Brookmyer of Fort Wayne on May 10, 1958; who survives. Also surviving are four sons, Tim (Patty) Baker, Mike (Sarah) Baker, Scott (Mandy) Baker, and Steve Baker, all of Ossian; one daughter, Cindy (Tim) Dafforn of Ossian; 10 grandchildren, Ryan, Allison, Alexandria, Grant, Josh, Staci, Elizabeth, Justin Baker, Ashly, and Haley Dafforn; and two sisters, Betty (Mark) Stinson of Bluffton and Barbara Garrett of Liberty Center. Service is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Ossian United Methodist Church, with visitation one hour prior. The Rev. Tim Dilley officiating. Visitation also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Funeral Home, 120 W. Mill St., Ossian. Burial in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorials to Ossian United Methodist Church.