Earl Hugh Baker passed at his home in New Washington on Thursday evening, July 9th, surrounded by those that loved and adored him. At 90, he lived a long and very fulfilled life.
I’m writing this because no one knows me better than myself…….EB.
Born 10/15/1935, at home in Ohio, in the Melmore area, to Mable Ilene (Wilson) & Oliver Dean Baker. The oldest of 4 children with siblings, Bob, Nancy & Jerry - all deceased. Earl grew up farming with his father, who taught him not only to drive the Percheron horse team at age 10, but also how to value, protect, and conserve the land and to love nature.
Earl carried this love for the land, the planting and growing of vegetables/flowers/trees, for the rest of his life.
He attended schools in Mt Zion, Nevada, and Sulphur Springs. Graduated from the School of Hard Knocks. Served 4 years in the Marine Corp during the Korean War and was a member of The Crawford County Post 0181 in Bucyrus. Married Glenda Batton (deceased) and together they had 3 children, Kim, Chris & Kevin (deceased). For several years he joined his father in a heating/plumbing business located in Bucyrus, Dean’s Plumbing. He worked as a government certified welder at the Ironworks, Cobeys and HPM. Was a Supervisor at Checkmate and raced & hauled boats for them. For 23 years he worked at the Crawford County Court House, through the commissioner’s office, as county maintenance. He enjoyed the challenges of fixing electrical & plumbing problems at Fairview Manor, The Childrens Home, Welfare Offices & Board of Elections. Earl was proud of the fact he laid all the county computer cable when the county offices went to computers.
He was married to his best friend, Miechelle (Shelly Mollenkopf) for over 40 + years. He felt she not only taught him how to love, but how to be loved…They did everything together and took much ribbing because of constantly holding hands. “She always made me want to be the best possible version of myself”. In this loving and unique relationship also came the perk of a loving stepson, Ryan.
He found much enjoyment in driving the van, taking Residents of Fairview, on day trips to the Amish country, Cedar Point, The Carrousel, Kingwood Center, up to Lake Erie or just to get ice cream. He shared his wife’s compassion of working with and serving the elderly.
Through the years, Earl enjoyed playing in county softball, basketball and bowling leagues. He loved trips to the lake, boating, water skiing and boat racing. He & his wife co-coached a Dutchtown Little League Team and assisted with Cub/Boy Scouts. He enjoyed horseback riding, gardening, woodworking, his motorcycle, and taking pilot lessons. He also enjoyed working as a Crawford County Sheriff’s Auxiliary Deputy during the Fair and being a volunteer fire fighter for Bucyrus. Earl had a keen sense of humor…always the trickster & up to something. If Earl had a problem, he dealt with it or walked away from it, saying life is too short to keep dealing with the same old crap.
After retirement, he enjoyed being somewhat of a hermit, just wanting to stay home with his wife and reading, woodworking, gardening and loving his fur babies, Levi, Micah, and Luka. Much of the furniture in his home was crafted by him as well as the porch and a two-tiered deck he designed and built to be able to observe and enjoy the wildlife, creek and nature. He enjoyed his many visitors and the peace and solitude of his home.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean & Mable Baker; his younger siblings Bob, Nancy and Jerry; his youngest son, Kevin; his Parents in law, Margie (Snooks) & Gilbert (Mouse) Mollenkopf; a brother-in-law, Larry Mollenkopf and his best friend Darrel Monk.
He leaves behind his wife, Miechelle; fur baby, Luka; three children, Kim (Chuck), Chris, Ryan (Nicole); six grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren; special sister, Adair and special niece, Katy (Alan); special friend, Jude Kepler; and his aunt, Martha Yaussy-Eppley.
Secor Funeral Home is handling the arrangements and cremation. At Earl’s request there will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life / Memorial will be held at a later date. Anyone wishing to honor Earl memory is encouraged to donate to the Crawford County Humane Society. Online condolences can be left for his family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com.