Howard G. Baker

Howard G. Baker, 71, died December 9, 2013, at Emerald Pointe Nursing Home in Barnesville. He was born in Lackawanna, NY on January 15, 1942 and is survived by his wife, Sandra (Furry) Baker of Emerald Pointe Nursing Home; his brother Floyd Baker and wife, Carol, of Cheektowaga, NY; sisters Janet Keller, Kenmore, NY and Janie Troup, Hamburg, NY. Howard served in the U.S. Air Force. Howard loved Blue Grass music, writing many songs, one of which is titled "Home I'll Be" and is included in a Chestnut Ridge CD. He and Sandy followed Blue Grass festivals and concerts throughout the country. They were personal friends of many of the Blue Grass artists, among them The Pierce Family, John Putnam, and Shirley Furry Porter. They faithfully attended the Fairview Opera House and especially enjoyed the friendship of Joe and Connie Williams, of Deep Water Blue Grass Band. Howard was a good neighbor, always generous and ready to lend a helping hand. He and Sandy were friends of Kennonsburg United Methodist Church where Howard volunteered by clearing hiking and riding trails on the outdoor property, and by organizing several music events at the church. Friends and family will be received at Thorn-Black Funeral Home in Quaker City from 2 to 4 pm Sunday (December 15, 2013). Interment will be in Ohio Western Reserve Military Cemetery, Rittman, Ohio.