Howard Upton Baker

Baker, Howard Upton 85, passed away on July 19, 2015, at his home in Belleair, Florida. Howard was born September 10, 1929, the son of William Edward and Eleanor Virginia Baker of Gaithersburg, Maryland. Father to Bonnie Lee Kessell (64), Connie Sue Bashop (63), Howard Upton Baker, Jr. (61), Robert William Baker (58) and Charles Andrew Baker (53). Howard's survivors also include 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Howard was a contractor by trade. Owning his own company in Maryland, H.B. Baker, Inc., Howard was responsible for building many subdivisions of homes in the Washington, D.C. area. He was also responsible for building many of the existing displays for the National Zoo, including the Gorilla area. Howard was a lay leader at the McDonald Chapel Methodist Church in Quince Orchard, Maryland. He built the church's parsonage and donated it in 1965. Preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Hazel Lee Baker; Howard and Hazel moved to Florida in the early 80's. Howard worked for James Bradley Construction and built his Belleair home in 1986. He owned at 32' Concord sports fishing boat named "Charlie Brown". He spent many weekends fishing the Gulf of Mexico for grouper. Howard donated his boat in 2005 to the Clearwater Marine Science Center. In his latest years, Howard began making banjoes and taking guitar and banjo lessons. Some of his favorite songs include Old Suzana and Turkey in the Straw. Visitation will be on Monday, August 3, 2015 from 1-3PM. Interment will follow at Sylvan Abbey Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fairhaven United Methodist Church, 12801 Darnestown Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878.