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BORN
1929
DIED
2021
Norton Baker Obituary
Born in Birmingham, AL to Ruth Shirley and Norton M. Baker, Sr. on February 6, 1929 he weighed a mere 2 lbs and was placed in the first neonatal incubator in the state of Alabama. His fierce determination drove him to become the larger-than-life man we knew.
He knew by the age of 13 he wanted to become a physician and he charted his course. He attended Ramsey High School in Birmingham, leaving in 1945, at age 17, to enlist in the U.S. Navy. He served aboard the USS Wright Aircraft Carrier and was honorably discharged in 1948. He entered Birmingham Southern College, finishing his pre-med studies in three years and enrolled at University of Alabama at Birmingham medical school. At the end of his first year, he was called back into the Navy for the Korean War, serving another 3 years in the Medical Corps. He returned to UAB to complete his Doctorate of Medicine in 1959. During this time, he also served 3 years in the Naval Reserves. He completed his internship at Carraway Hospital in Birmingham, and then relocated to Orlando where he entered his Orthopedic Residency at Orange Memorial Hospital specializing in Orthopedic Sports Medicine.
Dr. Baker started his private orthopedic practice in 1963 where he practiced until his retirement in 2011. He served as both Chief of Orthopedics and Chief of Staff at Orlando Regional Medical Center and was named as a Surgeon of Distinction.
He was a member of the American Medical Association (AMA), American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) and the Florida Medical Association (FMA).
In 1969, he met the love of his life, Alene, to whom he was married for 51 years. They were blessed with two wonderful children and 3 adored grandchildren.
After his retirement he was privileged to be a part of a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, and to joyfully serve as a volunteer physician at Grace Medical Home for 5 years.
Doc loved sports and participated in many over the years from a doctor's basketball team, men's slow pitch softball and his beloved sport golf, which he played until age 90. He and Alene were blessed to travel and play many golf courses in the U.S, and abroad, and attended "The Masters" golf tournament for 20 years.
During his residency, he became the team doctor for Boone High School where he was on the sidelines every Friday night during football season for 35 years. In 1987, the football stadium was named "Dr. Norton Baker Field" in his honor.
His love of ALL things University of Alabama led him to recruit many players from the Central Florida area during the Coaches Bear Bryant, Ray Perkins and Bill Curry eras. For his efforts, he was named "Honorary Assistant Coach" under Coach Bear Bryant and later an honorary member of the prestigious "A Club" reserved for past players and coaches. In addition, he served as team doctor for the Atlanta Braves during Spring Training and also head of medical services for The Florida Citrus Open-which later became the Bay Hill Classic, becoming a close friend to Arnold Palmer.
He was a member of The Country Club of Orlando, where he served as President, and was a founding member of the "Downtown Athletic Club".
Dr Baker loved his church and was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando where he proudly served as an Elder and Deacon. He was a faithful member of his men's bible study for over 25 years.
Dr Baker was a caring, compassionate physician who loved practicing medicine. He was a good friend, loving husband, father, brother and Papa and will be missed by many.
He is survived by his wife Alene, children, Bradley Baker and Amy Orzo (Neil), grandchildren, Macie Severson, Emmy Severson, Jake Baker, bonus granddaughter, Bella Orzo, and sister Judy Bewley (Adrian) of Birmingham, AL as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son, Mason Baker; sisters, Billie Ruth Erwin and Shirley Bailey.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 23, at 11am, First Presbyterian Church Orlando, 106 E. Church Street, Orlando FL 32801. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to Boone High School Athletic Association 1000 E. Kaley St. Orlando, 32806 or Grace Medical Home, 1417 E. Concord St., Orlando, FL 32803. You can also donate online www.bhstradingpost.com or www.gracemedicalhome.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Norton Baker
Sponsored by The Orlando Sentinel.
April Whittemore
May 3, 2025
I was brought into the Trauma Center at ORMC in critical condition. I was in a terrible accident on I-4 and hit a concrete wall going 45 mph. I was severely injured and my right leg was actually going to be amputated. My father who is a Man of Faith and Serves the Lord on behalf of him and my mother stepped in and asked the Doctor and Nurse attending to me to find a doctor if not in this hospital somewhere in the United States that would be willing to find a way to save my right leg and spare me the pain of not having my right leg amputated because I was a Runner who loved the Sport and would be devastated at being given the only option of amputation. Of course it wasn't with my knowledge but my parents met with Dr. Baker and he agreed to do what he thought would give me the best chance of saving my right leg. Dr. Baker put a Halo around my leg, with screws and pins put in place to save my leg. By the Grace of God and the skills of Dr. Baker he was God's Instrument to deliver my miracle that night. I will be forever grateful and my daughter is glad that she had a mother to run around with her beginning at the Playground and the then ending at the Millennium Mall. This would have not been possible had Dr. Baker not taken the chance to try and save my leg when others just wanted to amputate it. I will be forever grateful to Dr. Baker for all his Time, Effort and Excellent Surgical Skills he perform on me that night. I wish I would have had the opportunity to stop and thank Dr. Baker on a more personal level after my other 3 major surgeries were completed because I also broke my back in the accident. So truly this was a Miracle of God and Man working together. May the family of Dr. Baker be Richly Blessed by the Lord I Pray.
Jerri Reneau Bond Ratcliff
November 4, 2022
I worked for Dr. Baker right out of graduating from Boone high school and was his runner, and file clerk. What an opportunity. I loved his disposition and he greeted every day with a smile and the love and kindness he not only showed his patients he displayed to everyone. I also had the joy of babysitting for him and his wife. I cannot say enough kind words about him. Thank you Dr. Baker for all of your goodness.
Bill & Jeanne Kreuter
October 13, 2021
Just saw Norton´s obit in The Community Paper. The world was a better place for his presence & contributions to so many causes & others. I never saw Norton with a frown on his face that shined with joy & gentleness.
God´s blessings,
Bill & Jeanne
Colleen O´Mealey Arnold
September 21, 2021
I worked for Norton in the 1970s and never in my 40 year career in the medical field did I enjoy my work as much as I did in those years. I met my future husband, a coach at Alabama, in the office and we kept in touch with Norton and Alene for years. He had a bedside manner like no other, his patients adored him. He could be just the tiniest bit late for office hours but when he arrived with a big smile and hearty laugh all was forgiven. He was a great professional and a delightful, kind, witty man. The world is a less colorful place without him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, particularly Alene, who was his perfect match. Prayers ascending for safe travel to heaven - I´m sure there are angels with fractured wings just waiting for your arrival. Colleen O´Mealey Arnold
Jeannette Sieland
September 20, 2021
The Korean War Veterans Association Department of Florida and Chapter 173 Casselberry send our belated yet deepest condolences on the passing of our Brother In Arms Norton M. Baker, Jr. MD (US Navy 1945-1948 USS Wright Aircraft Carrier).
He served his country well and honorably.
May he Rest In Peace.
Sue C Walker
September 19, 2021
I also was privileged to work with Dr Baker in the early 1980s. He had me take his Datsun 280 to the dealer for repairs. Good thing I didn't wreck it! He was over 6' tall and the back of the driver seat was broken. I am only 5'2" AND it was not an automatic. We also had the Montevallo AL connection where my in-laws lived. Wonderful man who touched many lives.
Jeff Porter
September 19, 2021
I never met a man that I respected more than Norton Baker. He was/is a GOAT-greatest of all time. jp
Neighbor
September 18, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with the Baker family in this time of grief. May you find peace in God during this difficult time.
DeeAnne Bennett
September 15, 2021
Dr Baker treated me for a compound fracture when I was 3 years old in 1967. Every one said I´d never have use of my arm but Dr Baker treated me for two years, many were trial runs to stretch tendons and repair nerve damage, and I have had a fully functioning appendage ever since. He became a lifelong friend and treated me for many years later with one of the first arthroscopic procedures in Orlando. He treated my entire family and often played gold with my dad over the years, even doing my dads knee replacement in later years. He was always a second father figure for me and a legend in our family lore! My sincerest condolences to his entire family and friends. He will always hold a very special place in my heart!
John W Rankin
September 15, 2021
Such a wonderful man who served his community to the highest standards for many years . RIP my friend , you will be missed by many but never forgotten.
Michelle Cornell
September 14, 2021
It was a privilege to work with Dr. Baker at Grace Medical Home. He was a joy in clinic and always put everyone at ease with his laugh. My deepest condolences to his friends and family.
Yolonda Huhn
September 14, 2021
Thinking of the Bakers and sending hugs. He epitomized the term "Greatest Generation". Blessings to his family.
Debbie Julien
September 14, 2021
I used to work for Dr Baker and he was always the most pleasant person to speak with. Guess it was that bed side manner that some doctors have and some really don't. He definitely had it. I was very blessed to have known him. Such a great man. My thoughts and prayers are with you Alene and family. He is going to be greatly missed by many.
Marc Fennimore
September 14, 2021
Dr. Baker has been my orthopedic surgeon since the 1960s when he was in practice with Dr. Willis. He performed many surgeries related to Cerebral Palsy that enabled me to be able to walk better, fo which I am eternally grateful. He went above and beyond the call, taking me to strengthen my leg, first at the Boone gym and then at one he owned-all after a full day of work. The waiting room was always packed-a testimony to the demand for his expertise. He knew my family, and would always take the time to catch up. He always displayed a caring attitude. He has known me longer than just about anybody outside of my family. This news stings a lot but I am confident He has graduated to Heaven.
My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Judy Burt
September 14, 2021
Words cannot express enough of what Dr. Baker means to me. He was always a mentor and friend. My prayers are with Alene and the family. Heaven's golf course will be having fun now. In the words said so much---LOOKS GOOD, FEELS GOOD AND WE WILL SEE YOU IN A MONTH
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