Sanford "Dick" Baker

Sanford "Dick" Baker, 82, of Berne, Indiana, passed away peacefully at 5:55 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Majestic Care in New Haven. He was born on May 15, 1943, in Grundy, Virginia, to the late Sanford Dickie Baker and Gloria Palmer Baker. Dick was a proud graduate of Defiance High School in Ohio and spent his early years in Defiance. On June 14, 1974, he married Susann Hofstetter in Berne, and together they shared 51 years of love and devotion. Throughout his career, Dick worked for G.C. Murphy Co. as a store manager, All American Home in Decatur, Fleetwood in Decatur, and as a food vendor. He was known for his strong work ethic, his easygoing nature, and his ability to connect with others wherever he went. He had a passion for landscaping, enjoyed going to casinos, and took great pride in his military service. A U.S. Army veteran, he served in Hawaii and Vietnam with the 25th MP Company from 1964 to 1966. Dick was an enthusiastic supporter of veterans and attended every military reunion he could-hosting four of them himself. He was a longtime member of the Berne Lions Club, the American Legion in Berne (where he served as past commander), and the V.F.W., where he proudly served with the Color Guard. Faith was a central part of his life, and he was a member of Cross Community Church in Berne. He is survived by his wife, Susann Hofstetter Baker of Berne; three sons: Mark S. Baker (Donna) of Oakley, CA, Michael J. Baker (Jenni) of Gilbert, Arizona, and Matthew D. Baker of Fort Wayne; five grandchildren: Kristin Baker, James Baker, Abigail Baker, Joseph Baker, and Nicholas Baker; one sister, Chris Ballard of Sherwood, Ohio; and his nephew, Scott Ballard. He was preceded in death by siblings Linda Baker, Patricia Baker, and James M. Baker; and niece, Sherry Ballard. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Downing & Glancy Funeral Home, 100 N. Washington Street, Geneva, Indiana. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Brad Buckley. Burial will take place at Westlawn Cemetery in Geneva with military graveside rites conducted by the Berne American Legion and Geneva V.F.W. Memorial contributions may be made to the Berne American Legion Post, Geneva V.F.W. Post, or Gideons International. To send a flower arrangement in memory of Sanford "Dick" Baker, please click here to visit our sympathy store. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Sanford "Dick" Baker, please click here to visit our sympathy store. Memorial Donation