J. Bruce Baker

Obituary
J. Bruce Baker, 72 of Danville, passed away on March 03, 2023. He was born on August 15, 1950 in Indianapolis, to the late Margaret Ilene (Franklin) and Charles Rawleigh Baker. Bruce graduated from Danville High School in 1968 and from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science in 1976. He was a third generation funeral director. Bruce formerly owned both Baker Funeral Home and Baker Hardware for many years. His nephew, Mark Baker, fourth generation funeral director, is the current owner of Baker Funeral Home founded in 1923. He was a member of the Western Star Masonic Lodge #26 In Danville. Bruce was initiated into Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity-Gamma Theta Chapter in August 1971. He is a 52 year member serving as Chapter President for the years 1974, 1980, and 1995. Only 2 other members have served 3 terms as Chapter President in the 103 years Gamma Theta has been part of the National Fraternity. He also served as a National Officer for the Fraternity from 1995 to 2001. Bruce was awarded as an "Emir" of the Fraternity in 2021, which is the highest honor a member can receive. He has helped out in many social activities, dinners, and National Events these past years. He was a well-known member throughout the Fraternity. He was "Proud to be a Phi Delt"! Bruce enjoyed golfing and watching I. U. men's basketball. Survivors include his son, John Byron "J. B." Baker (Kathleen) of Illinois; daughter, Sabrina Watson (Scott) of Danville; sister, Becky Patrick of Florida; and his granddaughter, Hannah. His parents; brother, Charles W. "Bill" Baker; and stepson, Doug Stephenson, preceded him in death. Services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 07, 2023 in Baker Funeral Home, Danville, with burial to follow in the Danville South Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday March 6, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Phi Delta Kappa-Gamma Theta Chapter Memorial Scholarship Fund 802 Phi Delta Kappa Way Danville, IN 46122.
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