John A. Baker

John A. Baker, age 94, went home to be with the Lord on July 2, 2014.

Born in Versailles, Mo., he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, earning the rank of Lieutenant and a Purple Heart. He retired from the Montgomery Ward Company in 1980 after 25 years of service. John loved traveling and golfing, was an avid reader, and enjoyed gardening. He was a devout Christian and generous and loving father and grandfather, and loved spending time with his family.

Preceded in death by his wife of 30 years, Ruth; son, James P. Baker; son-in-law, Jack T. Joyner; second wife, Ruby; brother, Robert; and sisters, Mary Lou, Dorothy, Marjorie, Betty and their spouses. He is survived by daughter, Ellyn Joyner of Akron; daughter-in-law, Bernie Baker of Wilmington, N.C.; grandchildren, Kara (Ken) Harland of Uniontown and Brian Baker of Anchorage, Alaska; great-grandchildren, Krista and Kayla Harland; special niece, Pat Clear of Leeton, Mo.; and many relatives and friends.

Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m., at Millheim Baptist Church, 2661 Hayne Road, Akron, Ohio 44312. Pastor K.W. Lawrence will officiate. Private family inurnment will be held at Hillside Memorial Park. The family suggests memorials to Millheim Baptist Church, or the American Cancer Society.