Arza Emerson Baker

Arza Emerson Baker, age 90, of Greer, S. Carolina, died June 9, 2013.

Born on February 21, 1923 in Newell, West Va., he was the son of the late Clyde and Nettie (Freeland) Baker. After spending three years in the Army Air Force, Arza moved to Akron, Ohio in 1947 to work for IBM. He retired from IBM in 1985 with 37 years of service. He was a member of the Arlington Church of the Nazarene in Akron until his death. Arza and Jean moved to Greer, S. Carolina in 2003. He attended the Greenville First Church of the Nazarene until he became disabled.

Arza married Lorena Jane Drum on May 8, 1946. She passed away September 8, 1993. He married Jean (Cogar Moyer) Baker April 20, 1996 who survives. He is also survived by sons, Gary A. (Ann) Baker of Towanda, Pa. and Robert T. Baker of Minneapolis, Minn.; grandchildren, Andrew Daniel Baker of Edinboro, Pa., Kelly Ann (Peter) Utke of Oriska, N.D. and Daniel Robert Baker of Chanhassen, Minn.; great-granddaughters, Claire Lorena and MacKenzie Paige Utke; sisters, Virginia (Walter) Speese of Mount Vernon, Ohio and Norma Jean Kinny of Flugerville, Texas; brother, Clyde (Joyce) Baker Jr. of Decature, Ill. Preceding him in death are his parents; and brother, Rev. Ralph Baker. Arza loved his Lord, his family, and his friends.

Funeral service will be Thursday, 11 a.m. at Arlington Church of the Nazarene, 1057 Triplett Blvd., Akron, Ohio 44306, with Rev. Darrell C. Frazier officiating. Burial will follow at Hillside Memorial Park. Friends may call at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Road, Akron, Ohio 44312 from 4 to 8 p.m. TODAY; and from 10 a.m. until service time at the CHURCH on Thursday. The family suggests memorials to Arlington Church of the Nazarene.