Harold E. Baker, 89, of Franklin, went to be with the Lord at 7:55 a.m. August 16, 2014 at the Golden Living Center-Walnut Creek following a brief illness.
He was known by many names including Bake, Gene, Mother and Chopper.
Born in 1925 in Oil City, Pa., he was the son of the late Harold E. Baker and Lucy Orsega Baker.
Harold attended Franklin High School until he was 18 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army.
He served in the 101st Airborne in WWII from 1943 thru 1945 seeing action in Normandy, Bastogne, Holland and Battle of the Bulge. He received an honorable discharge in 1945 along with three Purple Hearts, the Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star, Victory Medal, Combat Infantry Medal and the American Theatre Medal with three bronze stars.
He was awarded his high school diploma with assistance from Congressman John Peterson in 2001 at the age of 76.
Harold started his working career at Joy Manufacturing Company where he retired after 43 years of service as a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
Harold was a respected athlete in all sports. He ran track in the GI Olympics, played softball in the Hayrake League for the RE-Arm Team, coached Little League and Women’s softball.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and gardening, where he supplied his neighborhood and friends with vegetables.
Mr. Baker was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Franklin.
He was married to the former Eileen M. Alter and she preceded him in death on Sept. 25, 2001 after 54 years of marriage.
He is survived by his children; Margo Baker, of Erie; Rick Baker, of Erie; and Pam Burgert. He is also survived by a brother, Wendall Baker and his wife Ruth Schiffer Baker, of Franklin, and several nieces and nephews along with a special friend, Lenore Dalmaso, of Franklin.
Funeral Services will be held at the Reinsel Funeral Home & Crematory at the convenience of the family with Deacon Richard Reed, Presiding.
Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard.
Memorials may be sent to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 Eighteenth St. NW Washington DC 2006-3517
Condolences may be sent at www.reinselfuneralhome.com.
