Herbert Alden Baker

On September 23, 2022, our family and community lost a great man. Herbert A. Baker, 80 of Milton, Florida passed away peacefully after a long battle with numerous health issues.
Herb was born June 2, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts to the late Blanche and Paul Baker and was a long-time resident of Santa Rosa County. He was a graduate of Catholic High School where he was a member of the basketball team and the class of 1960. Upon graduation he attended Pensacola Junior College where he played basketball and graduated in 1962. He went on to earn a B.A. degree in mathematics from William Carey College in 1966. He returned to the Pensacola area to begin his career and obtained his master's degree in Education from the University of West Florida in 1972. He was a proud educator with the Santa Rosa County School system for 39 years. In 1984 he was tapped as a participant in NASA's Teacher in Space Program and given the Distinguished Achievement Award by "Electronic Learning Magazine" for outstanding leadership in the advancement of education through technology. He was voted Santa Rosa County Teacher of the Year in 1985 and Florida's Middle School Principal of the Year in 1997. He went on to receive the Milkin National Educator award in 1998. His Belief was always that today's schools were educating tomorrow's leaders and that was shown by his support for character and values in education programs such as Violence Summit, the Social Skills Program, and the Principles of Interactive Leadership Honor Code. He retired in 2004 from Hobb's Middle School leaving a legacy that very few would forget. He served on the Santa Rosa County Federal Credit Union Board of Directors for 35 years and was Chairman of the Board for 32 of those Years. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 7027. His Grandchildren were the light of his life, from going to ballgames, plays, or graduations he was always supportive and encouraging of all they achieved and will always be remembered as Pawpaw.
Herb was preceded in Death by a daughter, Judy Flowers; and brother-in-law, Bob Hoffbauer.
Herb is survived by his wife of 38 years, Wanda Baker of Milton, Florida; a son, Cory (Christy) Baker, of Milton, Florida; a daughter, Tamara Lugo, of Deltona, Florida; a son, Alton (Emmie) Flowers of Jay, Florida; four grandchildren, Kayla (Tripp) Powers, Jackson Flowers, Carleigh Baker, and Olivia Lugo; a sister, Donna Hoffbauer; and brothers, Frank (Joann) Baker and Kevin Baker; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday October 14, 2022, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church Milton, 6451 Park Avenue Milton, Florida 32570, with Monsignor Michael Reed officiating.
The Family wishes to thank the staff of Pruitt Health for the love and care given during his time of illness and the many friends and family who helped.