Kenneth L. Baker Sr.

Kenneth L. Baker Sr., of Canonsburg, and former proud resident of Washington, passed away on his 85th birthday, July 25, 2025, in St. Clair Hospital. Mr. Baker was born July 25, 1940, and lived in the West End of Washington, a son of the late Robert Charles Baker Sr. and Sadie Iva Baker. In 1958, Kenneth graduated from Washington High School, where he met his sweetheart Patricia A. Gray Baker. On March 22, 1959, they married by the Reverend Peter Mauco at the First Christian Church on W. Wheeling Street in Washington. They recently celebrated 66 years of marriage. Kenneth and Patricia were blessed with two children: their daughter, Patricia Ann Baker Celaschi; and son, Kenneth Lloyd "Tiger" Baker Jr. "The greatest daughter and son only GOD could have given to Mom and Dad.", Kenneth was known to say. They were further blessed with beloved grandchildren, Kristen Ann Celaschi Howard, Sherri Lynn Celaschi, and Ashley Nicole Celaschi Anderson (Mike); they were his pride and joy. The blessings continued with their adored great-grandchildren, Michael Ashton Anderson, Noah Cole Anderson, and Arabella Ashlynn Anderson. Kenneth is also survived by brothers, Raymond (Ann) Baker, Norman Baker, and Johnny Baker. In addition to his parents, Kenneth was predeceased by his brother, Robert Charles "Bud" Baker, Jr. Mr. Baker served his 5½-year enlistment with the U.S. Army Reserves and received an Honorable Discharge in 1965 at the rank of Specialist 5th Class. He served 1½ years active duty at Fort Bragg, N.C. and Fort Knox, Ky. Kenneth became a member of the Washington City Police Department in 1963 and retired in 1983 as chief of police. He was appointed chief county detective in the Washington County District Attorney's office in 1984, where he served until 1989 at which time he began working at Washington and Jefferson College as the first director of protection services, a position he held until 2002 when he retired for medical reasons. Ken received an Associate Degree in Administration of Criminal Justice from Allegheny County Community College. He graduated from the F.B.I. National Academy in Quantico, Va. and furthered his education in 1975 graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Administration Justice. Ken was certified by the Attorney General of Pennsylvania while serving as chief county detective in wiretapping and electronic surveillance. He served 1 term as president of the Northeast College and University Security Association. He was a 50+ year member of the Masonic Lodge #164 and was a 32-degree Mason as well as a life member of the Washington PA Elks Lodge #776. Ken received a law enforcement medal for his service with the city police department from the "Sons of the American Revolution". He served on various advisory boards in Washington including the Bronson House, Salvation Army, the Bradford House and the YMCA. Ken and Pat spent the last 20 years during the winter months in Fort Myers Beach, Fla. Friends and family will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, with a Masonic Service at 7 p.m. in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where a funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 30. Interment will be private.