Michael Howard Baker

Michael Howard Baker, 53, passed on into the kingdom of Heaven on May 4, 2010 at 10:00 p.m., in his home at 114 April Drive, Camp Hill. Mike lived with his younger sister, Joyce Merrill, and his brother-in-law, Jeff Merrill since August 15, 2006. Mike previously lived with his mother, Dorothy T. Baker, for forty-nine years. Mike moved in with his little sister and brother-in- law, due to Mike’s progressive illness, after his stroke in either the second half of 2003 or the first part of 2004. His mother was also struggling with her own terminal illnesses at the time and was unable to care for both Mike and herself properly on her own.

Michael was well loved by everyone who had the opportunity to really get to know him. Michael was like an angel, kind, gentle, well-mannered and very loving. He also had a great sense of humor and was almost always well-natured and in a good mood.

Michael was very strong throughout his entire life and endured many hardships, due to his Down’s syndrome and vulnerability to other people.

Mike worked for Center of Industrial Training, (C.I.T.), for 30 years. Mike was very active and high functioning before his stroke. He had quite a social life. He was a bowler, went camping often, went to dances, he loved to dance and loved Rock and Roll and Country Music. His favorite food was hot-dogs. He fancied himself as a “Ladies Man” and loved the ladies.

Surviving are his sisters, Carole S. McCarthy of Paxtang, Harrisburg and Joyce M. Merrill of 114 April Drive, Camp Hill. Also, surviving, Jeffrey W. Merrill, Joyce Merrill’s husband, and Mike’s “best buddy” and brother-in-law. His surviving Uncles were, Arnold Wight of Canada, Peter Wight, England, Norman Wight, Florida, and Darwin Wight, Canada. Mike also had many cousins, nephews and nieces, and was Great- Uncle to Cassidy D. McCarthy and Samuel M. Mathis.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM, on Tuesday, May 18, 2010, from Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Trindle Rd. Camp Hill, with visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Harrisburg.