Ray R. Baker, 79, of Mifflintown, died at 9:44 a.m. on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at the Locust Grove Retirement Village, Mifflin.
Born on September 28, 1936, in Lewistown, Mifflin County, he is the son of the late David L. and Etta (Hommel) Baker. His wife, Carolyn N. (Nale) Baker, with whom he was blessed to share nearly 54 years of marriage, survives.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Lt. Col USAF Ret. Brooke Baker and her husband CMSgt USAF Ret. Gary Livingston, of Richardson, TX, Bonnie Bowsman and her husband Jim, of Port Royal, Becca Zendt and her husband Michael, Brian “Bo” Baker and his wife Heather, all of Mifflintown; 4 siblings, Etta Henry, of Lewistown, Rev. Bruce Baker, of Newburgh, NY, Nancy Francis, Quebec, Canada, Shirley Morgan, Lewistown; 11 grandchildren, Zachary Bowsman, Brittany Rice, Elizabeth Chambers, Madelyn Zendt, Solomon Baker, Jubal Baker, Alexandra Baker-Livingston, Aaron Zendt, Chloe Zendt, Beauregard Baker, Benjamin Baker-Livingston; 2 step grandchildren, SSgt USAF Ret. Jeremy Livingston, MSgt Joshua Livingston and 2 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Nathaniel Gabriel Baker-Livingston, 5 sisters, Martha Warner, Elnora Zarkovich, Freda Smith, Dorothy Baker and Betty Fultz; 5 brothers, Paul Robert Baker, Harry Baker, Brown Baker, Daniel Baker and Harold “Big” Baker.
Mr. Baker was a 1954 graduate of Chief Logan High School and a 1963 graduate of Lock Haven State Teachers College. He later earned a Masters degree from Shippensburg University, after which he received his Administrative degree from Penn State University.
His memberships included, the First Baptist Church, Mifflintown where he served as a Sunday school teacher, Deacon, Treasurer and Elder. He was also a member of the Gideon’s - Juniata County Camp, Juniata County Association of School Retirees, where he had served as President for several terms and he had formerly served on the Mifflintown Municipal Authority Board.
He served in the Army National Guard for six years.
For 33 years, Mr. Baker served as the principal at East Juniata High School, Cocolamus, retiring from the Juniata County School District. After which he served as the Superintendent of the Belleville Mennonite School. He along with his wife also had owned and operated the Coffee Cup Restaurant, Mifflintown, for five years.
During his career in education, he will long be remembered for his stellar coaching career at Juniata Joint High School, in football and basketball. He led his teams to various league championships. Later he coached his grandson in Little League baseball and also served as a Teener baseball coach.
Ray enjoyed genealogy and was an ardent Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan. He always said, “They may not lose another one!”
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 23, 2016, from the First Baptist Church, Mifflintown with Pastor Ronald Shupe and Pastor Phil Persing. Interment will follow in the Westminster Presbyterian Cemetery, Mifflintown.
Viewing will be held from 5 - 8 p.m., Sunday, May 22, 2016 at the Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 100 Bridge St., Mifflintown.
Memorial contributions in Mr. Baker’s memory may be made to the First Baptist Church, 23964 Route 35 North, Mifflintown, PA 17059, Gideons International -Juniata Camp, P.O. Box 91, Mifflintown, PA 17059 or to the Belleville Mennonite School, 4105 Front Mountain Rd., Belleville, PA 17004.
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