Harry Baker

VAN WERT, Ohio — Harry E. Baker, 92, of Van Wert, died at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center, Van Wert. He was born Sept. 26, 1921, in Paulding County, Ohio, to the late Mintie T. (Hover) Baker and John A. Baker. His wife, Marjorie I. (Cryer) Baker, survives in Van Wert. They were married Nov. 25, 1942.

Survivors include a sister: Wilda Myers of Monroeville, Ind. He was preceded in death by a daughter: Judith A. Merkle, brothers: Roy, Russell, Delmer and Francis Baker, and sisters: Myrtle Feasby, Nellie Beezley and Dorothy Gibson. He was a journeyman tool and die maker at National Seal Corp. in Van Wert for 23 years and then worked at the Chrysler Amplex Co. in Van Wert for 16 years until retiring.

Harry enjoyed golfing, auto racing, horse racing, fishing at his lake cottage and spending time at his home in Florida. In addition to his hobbies, Harry’s nieces and nephews were a very important part of his life. He served in the US Army during WWII in the Railroad 729th Co. A Operational Battalion. He was a member of the American Legion Post 423 in Orland, Ind.; Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Valley of Toledo, Ohio; Zenobia Shriners, Toledo, Ohio; Van Wert Masonic Lodge Free & Accepted Masons; Knights Templar and Van Wert Order of Eastern Star.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2014, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. The Rev. Paul Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Military graveside services will be conducted by the combined units of the Van Wert American Legion and VFW Posts Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2014, at the funeral home. Masonic services will be 7:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorial is Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center or donor’s choice.