Paul Baker

Paul Baker, age 79, of Salem, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at his home, where he lived with his daughter and son-in-law.

Paul was born in Berlin Center on December 12, 1945, to Paul A. Baker and Kathleen (Girard) Baker Hippley. Paul also had a stepfather, Joseph Hippley.

Paul was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Shirley A. Baker, of Salem, on July 9, 2020. Paul and Shirley had six children, Gary L. Kitts (Bev), Tonia Galchick (Tim), Debra Bearce, Cindy Messenger (Scott), Robert Ward (Kap), and Dawn Marie Marusa (Doug). Paul had 16 grandchildren,10 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Paul was preceded in death by his siblings, Forest (Charlie) Baker, Chiquita Brown, and Marilyn Spear. He is survived by his older brother, Duane (Butch) Baker of Ocala, Florida. Paul had many family members that he loved, living here in Salem, Ohio, and Florida, as well as many other states.

Paul was a lifetime welder and commercial exhaust cleaner by trade. Paul was a United Sates Navy Veteran, where he proudly served his country on the USS Rosevelt as a fireman and welder. As a proud veteran, there wasn't a day you would see him that he didn't have on a Navy hat, shirt, or jacket.

Paul loved God, his country, and his family. He spent his life providing for and raising his children. He loved old classic cars, going to car shows, riding motorcycles, and spending as much time as he could with his wife and family. Paul loved traveling around the country, moving his family to many different states, providing them with an opportunity to meet different people and have wonderful experiences.

Paul lived most of his life in Belleview, Florida, and moved back to Salem, Ohio, in 2015, where he lived with his wife Shirley. He loved Salem and the season changes of Ohio. Paul and Shirley spent a lot of time going on rides and seeing the season changes that he loved so much.

Paul will be greatly missed by his family and friends as they remember him for being a kind, gentle and loving man. He was a man about family and showing kindness to others. He would literally give his shirt off his back to someone in need. He will truly be missed.

Following Paul's wishes, there will be no public services. His family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date.

Paul was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago. A horrible disease that takes away one's memories and abilities to function as an independent person. In place of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to an Alzheimer's organization in Paul's name.

Revelations 21:4

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Psalm 49:15

"But God will redeem my life from the grave; He will surely take me to himself."