Harold Roy Baker, 90, of Coldwater passed away Sunday, January 31, 2021 at his home.
Harold was born August 7, 1930 in Sandwich, Ontario to Arthur Lloyd and Julia Grace (White) Baker. He grew up in Shelby, MI and later moved to Sterling City, TX. After graduating from high school in 1949, he attended Howard County Junior College in Big Spring, TX and later proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After the war, he chose Coldwater as his place of residency and employment.
On August 7, 1978, he married Judith “Judy” (Tubbs) Baker. They shared many common interests that filled their years of marriage including home projects, hosting foreign exchange students, and traveling. Trips out west, an Alaskan cruise, and road trips in the States/Canada were always cherished moments to reconnect with family and friends. Harold retired from the Branch Area Career Center in 1997 after many years of dedicated service.
Harold was a man of faith and a long-time member of the Coldwater Free Methodist Church. He was a talented musician and enjoyed singing and playing guitar. At the age of 12, he worked hard to save enough money for a Dobro steel guitar. Over the years, he added many more guitars to his collection and became proficient in his favored genre of bluegrass and country music. He was a 40-year member of Hillsdale’s Town and Country Barbershop Chorus and enjoyed the many friendships that were made over the years.
He was also a skilled carpenter. He and Judy designed and rebuilt an older house from the basement up. The unique transformation of their home incorporated as many eco-friendly elements as were available at the time including passive solar heat.
He was an avid gardener becoming certified as a Master Gardener through the MSU extension program. He was a man ahead of his time, refining his organic gardening skills decades ago. He was always very health conscious, making sure to take care of himself through regular exercise and healthy living. Until recently, he still enjoyed taking walks in his neighborhood, family gatherings, and camping at Wheatland and Dune Grass music festivals. Harold will be remembered for his positive outlook on life and staying young at heart.
Mr. Baker is survived by his children Renee Glezman of Mesick, Steve (Carol) Baker and Rhonda (Scott) Lammers all of Traverse City; his sister Rita Baker of Oregon; his grandchildren Natasha Glezman, Chante’ (Zack) Franklin, Levi (Haileigh) Glezman, Garrett Glezman, Brandyn Baker, Jordon (Allison) Baker, Danika (Josh Kaufman) Baker, Caleb Lammers, and Morgan Lammers; his great grandchildren Lucas, Coby, William, Macy, Ahraya, Lilly, Zariah, Alaric, and Theia; his first wife and mother of his children, Sally Stauffer; several extended family members; and his dear friend and companion, Pat Sanderson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Grace; his wife of 38 years, Judy Baker; his son Brian Baker; son-in-law Richard Glezman; grandson Ricky Glezman; sister June Deatherage; and brothers Bob and Larry Baker.
In following his wishes, cremation has taken place and the family will have a memorial service at a later date.
The family was cared for by the Dutcher Funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to the Coldwater Free Methodist Church. www.dutcherfh.com
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