Charles Edgar Baker

1944 - 2024

After a courageous battle with cancer, Charles "Charlie" Edgar Baker passed away peacefully at his home in Washington, on Thursday, January 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, who will continue his legacy by living their lives to the fullest. He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett Eugene Baker and Marcella Medley Baker. Charles was born a middle child on December 20, 1944, in Hinton, W.Va. He was a member of a very close family with four siblings, including his sister, Goldie Katherine Baker Alvis of Cleveland, Ohio; and brothers, Everett Eugene Baker Jr. of Beltona, Fla., Larry Eldridge Baker (deceased) and James Earl Baker of Hinton, W.Va. He attended Hinton High School where he excelled in sports, particularly football and basketball. Due to his outstanding play on the football field, he was honored by being named W.Va. All State. Upon graduation from Hinton High, Charlie began his college career at West Virginia State University. His matriculation was interrupted by a draft notice from the United States Army. Charlie answered the call and was a Vietnam Veteran who proudly served his country with distinction from May 2, 1967 to May 1, 1970, when he was honorably discharged. While serving he achieved the rank of Sargent E5 and was awarded the National Defense Service Award, the Vietnam Service Metal, the Vietnam Campaign Metal, the Army Commendation Metal, a Good Conduct Medal, 2 O/S Bars and an Expert Badge Rifle W14. Upon leaving the service, he completed his college education and received his degree from Buffalo State University. Charlie spent his professional career at IBM, Xerox and The Chevrolet Division of General Motors, from where he retired. Each position brought with it increased levels of responsibility and a new hometown including Orleans, N.Y., Bridgeport, Conn. and finally Washington, Pa. In August of 1972, Charlie married his high school sweetheart, Joy Louise Gibbs Baker. They celebrated 51 years of marriage in August of last year. The couple had two children, Elizabeth Marie Graves (Emanuel) and Charles Joseph Baker; and two grandchildren that Charlie adored, Kendyl Angela Graves and Kamryn Louise Blanche Graves. His love for his family sustained him as his illness ran its course. Charlie was a man with many and varied interests. Chief among them was competitive sports, in which he was both a spectator and a participant. He followed and cheered on his favorite football teams, the Buffalo Bills and the Cleveland Browns, although there was not a lot to cheer about for the Browns. He enjoyed watching tennis, track and basketball. However, while he enjoyed all those, his first love was golf, followed by a not too distant second, pool. He began playing golf at an early age with his father and brothers, and his passion for the game increased as he grew older. Charlie took pleasure in competing in the family golf tournaments with said father and brothers, and when he won the family trophy he celebrated as if he had won the Masters. Weather permitting, and sometimes not, he could be found on the golf course. Charlie made yearly golf trips to Florida and the Carolinas to spend time and play with his brother and friends. He spent the final years of his life indulging his second love, playing pool at The American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post #175. Charlie referred to it as "The Legion" and could be found there most days. His brothers and sister used his trips to The Legion as a barometer for the progression of his illness. When he said he had been to The Legion, they knew he had a good day. People were drawn to his magnetic personality, warmth, and humor. In addition to his wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings Charlie had three nieces: April Alvis, Pam Baker (deceased) and Jamie Baker; five nephews: Everett Baker, III., Lance Baker, James (Burt) Baker, Larry Baker Jr. and William Baker. He also leaves behind a sister-in-law, Mischa Carter of Washington, DC; and a brother-in-law, Greg Gibbs (Greg Greenwood) of Bethesda, Md. Charlie was a member of the Nazareth Baptist Church, 123 N. Lincoln Street, Washington, PA 15301. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the church. Charlie will be greatly missed by family and friends. Per his wishes, his remains are to be cremated and a private military graveside service will be held for the family. A Celebration of Life at which all who knew him are welcome will be held for Charlie from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post #175, 168 Park Avenue, Washington, PA 15301. Arrangements are under the direction of the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home, Inc., Wilson at East Katherine Avenue, Washington, S. Timothy Warco, Owner / Supervisor, S. Timothy Warco II, Director, Holly Renay Warco, Director, Park N. Crosier, Director. Condolences may be expressed at WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com