Charles J. Baker

Charles James Baker, 90, of Danville, IN passed away on December 6, 2025. He was born on December 19, 1934 in Mohegan, West Virginia, son of the late Charles Sayre and Charlene Sizemore. In addition to his parents, he is preceded by his step-mother Virginia Freeman, daughter Charlene Baker,sister Ernestine McKinley, 2 half-brothers Chuck and Jimmy Sayre and 2 half-sisters Ruth Sayre Franco and Carol Sue Sayre Vass.

Charlie was a man of commitment and integrity, fiercely devoted to his country, family and fire fighter brothers and sisters. He served his country in the United States Air Force, then later the Reserves. He became a firefighter, serving over 50 years with Wayne Township Fire Department, IVFA Chaplain, Fire Instructor and past president of the IFIA, and a proud member of the Tailboard Riders with WTVFD, outside sales representative for Midwest Fire and Safety. And during that time Charles and his wife Linda operated Rainbow Stable (a horse boarding facility) and authored the Firefighter Handbook of Hazardous Materials. He was a member of the Bridgeport Masonic Lodge and The Community Fellowship Church, Jamestown, IN.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda Baker; his children, Kathleen Baker-Stringfellow of Avon, Melodie Baker of Speedway, Malcolm Baker (Audra Krug) of Denver, CO and Amanda Lynn Stephenson (Randy Dinwiddie) of Indianapolis, his sisters, Loretta Buck and Rose (Klaus) Kirstein and his brothers, Gary (Caroline) Sayre, and John Sayre; his 4 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

A celebration of Charlie’s life, with military honors, will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at The Community Fellowship Church, 7925 W 700 S, Jamestown, IN 46167. Visitation from 11:00 am until the service begins at 1:00 pm. Online condolences at www.heltonandharrisfuneralhomes.com.