Dean P. Baker

1937 - 2023

Dean P. Baker, 86, Akron, Indiana passed at 3:14 a.m.Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, at his residence.

Dean was born March 2, 1937 in Canton, S.D. to the late Edgar Paul and Annabelle Marie (Ellis) Baker. He was married on June 6, 1959 in Clarion, Iowa to Suzanne Turk. She survives. They moved to Akron from Clarion, Iowa in 1964.

Dean retired in 1999 as President of Pike Lumber Company of Akron, but he would tell you he was a forester from Iowa State University. He was a longtime member of the Akron United Methodist Church, where he served numerous roles. He also was an active member in the Akron Lions Club and various industry associations, which included, the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen's Association and the Indiana Forest and Woodland Owners' Association.

He is survived by his wife Suzanne Baker of Akron; son Chris and wife Darleen Baker of Rochester; daughter Sarah and husband Richard Solano of Akron; grandchildren Nathan Baker, Daniel and wife Sara Solano, Andrea Baker, Adam and wife Celia Solano, and Thomas Solano; and sister Lois Baker of Edina, Minnesota.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may gather at 10 a.m. for a memorial service that will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at the Akron United Methodist Church, 121 N. Mishawaka St., Akron, Indiana with Pastor David Eaton officiating.

Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Beaver Dam Community Church/Wheels on Fire to assist the community members who are fighting cancer or to the Akron United Methodist Church Endowment Fund.

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