Joseph Hartford Baker

As the attendant at the pro-shop at Joe’s favorite golf course said,” Everybody liked Joe Baker!” And they did.

Married for nearly sixty years to Dede Duguid of Jacksonville, Joe and Dede raised three children, Joseph, Muffett, and Matthew. They welcomed Muffett’s husband Mark and Joe’s wife Jill into their family. Grandchildren soon followed with Joe’s and Jill’s sons Ethan and Andrew.

A long-time insurance executive in the Central Florida area and member of CPCU, Joe might be best remembered as an enthusiastic swim coach, having coached for Lake Howell High School and the Eastbrook swim team. He was also an official with AAU Swimming and participated as a starter or referee for many meets throughout the state.

Joe met Dede while life-guarding on the beaches of Jacksonville in the 1940’s and early 50’s. The big, strong life-guard caught the eye of the local beauty, the reverse happened, and their love continues today.

Some might fondly recall Joe’s annual appearances as Herr Silverhaus, the father in the Ballet Royal’s production of The Nutcracker.

A native of Florida, born in Ocala but raised in Jacksonville, and graduate of University of Florida, Joe was a veteran of the United States Navy. He served our nation twice, first in Key West, Florida, and again during the Korean War in the U.S. territory of Hawaii.

His hobbies included golf, reading, eating, and automobiles. He once remarked that while his children were younger he felt like he had a part-time job as a roadside mechanic.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mamie, and his sister Peggy. He is succeeded by his wife, children, and grandchildren, and nieces.

Joe will be missed!