Obituary for John E. Baker
John E. Baker, 73, of Bellefonte, passed away of a heart attack at home on Monday, September 26, 2022. Born on May 1, 1949, in Bellefonte, he was the son of the late Randolph B. and Page Carter (Eareckson) Baker. In 1972, he was united in marriage to Karen (Ulrich) Baker, who survives him at home after sharing over 50 years of marriage together.
John, or “Eric” or “Rick” as he was known to friends and family, was a 1967 graduate of Bellefonte High School. He went on to attend Penn State University, where he graduated in 1971 with a BS in Accounting. He worked as a Loan Officer for Midstate Bank, Keystone Financial, and then M&T Bank, until his retirement in 2000.
In addition to his wife, Karen, he is survived by his two sons and their wives, Brad E. Baker, wife Jackie, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and John U. Baker, wife Allison, of Bellefonte, and two grandchildren, Riley and Payton Baker of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Also surviving are two sisters, Marcy Baker, of Bellefonte, and Ellen Baker, of Wyoming.
John was a member and a past officer of the Flatrock Rod and Gun Club, which was a very important part of his life. Additionally, he was a past President of the Bellefonte Kiwanis and Jaycees. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed just about anything that allowed him to be a part of nature, especially hunting. He took joy in simple things and in helping those he cared about with whatever project there was to work on, although he wasn’t shy about telling you if he felt you were doing it wrong. He had a quick wit and sharp tongue but made many valued friendships throughout his life. Many described him as one of a kind – and they were absolutely correct in that assessment.
Funeral services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to Centre County PAWS, 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA 16801, or to the Bellefonte Art Museum for Centre County by going to www.bellefontemuseum.org or by mailing donations to PO Box 125, 133 N. Allegheny Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823.
John, or “Eric” or “Rick” as he was known to friends and family, was a 1967 graduate of Bellefonte High School. He went on to attend Penn State University, where he graduated in 1971 with a BS in Accounting. He worked as a Loan Officer for Midstate Bank, Keystone Financial, and then M&T Bank, until his retirement in 2000.
In addition to his wife, Karen, he is survived by his two sons and their wives, Brad E. Baker, wife Jackie, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and John U. Baker, wife Allison, of Bellefonte, and two grandchildren, Riley and Payton Baker of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Also surviving are two sisters, Marcy Baker, of Bellefonte, and Ellen Baker, of Wyoming.
John was a member and a past officer of the Flatrock Rod and Gun Club, which was a very important part of his life. Additionally, he was a past President of the Bellefonte Kiwanis and Jaycees. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed just about anything that allowed him to be a part of nature, especially hunting. He took joy in simple things and in helping those he cared about with whatever project there was to work on, although he wasn’t shy about telling you if he felt you were doing it wrong. He had a quick wit and sharp tongue but made many valued friendships throughout his life. Many described him as one of a kind – and they were absolutely correct in that assessment.
Funeral services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to Centre County PAWS, 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA 16801, or to the Bellefonte Art Museum for Centre County by going to www.bellefontemuseum.org or by mailing donations to PO Box 125, 133 N. Allegheny Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823.