Herbert Elmer Baker

Herbert Elmer Baker went home to be with the Lord June 18, 2026. He spent his last months pleasantly at Palmetto Patriots Veterans Home in Gaffney, South Carolina, among fellow veterans and caring staff, loved by all and appreciated for his easy-going friendly manner. He was born September 8, 1927, in Lincoln Park, Michigan, but soon returned with his parents to their roots in Van Wert, Ohio.

Survived by children: Linda (Karl) Waite of Alpharetta, Georgia, David (Wanda) Baker of Dayton, Tennessee, and Larry Baker of Van Wert; son-in-law, Eric Taylor of Van Wert, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, and sister Janet Worline of Van Wert.

Preceded in death by the love of his life, Marilyn Rose Phillipy Baker, daughter Cathy Taylor, parents, Walter and Marie Wells Baker, grandparents, Harry and Florence German Wells, brothers Marion Baker and Gaylord Baker, and sister Larene Forst. Baby sister, Betty Fogt went to her homecoming just the evening before on July 17.

Herb was a professional truck driver for most of his working life, starting out with a milk truck gathering milk from local dairy farms. He built three homes in Van Wert where he raised his family. He established what has come to be known as the Baker Addition and built a number of homes there. A third-degree Mason and 32nd degree Scottish Rite member, he traveled with the Ivanhoe Commandery drill team for many years. Just before his 18th birthday he quit high school to join the Navy at the close of World War II, as did many of our too young patriots. He was a recreational instrument pilot starting in the 1950's with a two-passenger Ercoupe; then as his family grew the planes did as well; renewing his pilot license when he was 80 years old so he could take his wife for a ride.

He moved to Lancaster, South Carolina, in his later years, marrying, loving and losing two wives, Louise Carnes Baker and Edith Sims Baker. There he had quite a workshop where he maintained and modified his trucks. Locals may remember the Baker Embroidery business. Herb was active in his veterans group, Masons and men's prayer breakfast. During retirement he supported his local church as a treasurer, teacher, bus driver and friend.

A memorial service is being planned in Lancaster at Antioch Baptist Church for Tuesday, July 7 at 10:30 AM with Dr. Trent McLaughlin officiating. Herb will be interred at Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert at a private ceremony officiated by the Reverend Gerald Baker at a later date.

Condolences may be shared at www.alspachgearhart.com. Local arrangements entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory.