Roger Paul Baker

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Roger lived a life deeply rooted in nature’s beauty. He took great pride and joy growing plants and sharing his knowledge and experience with others to beautify their homes and the community.

Roger spent his formative years in Sturgis, Michigan, where he graduated from high school before pursuing higher education at Western Michigan University. There, he earned an engineering degree that would serve as the foundation for a successful career. Over the years, Roger applied his skills and knowledge as an engineer at several respected companies including Westinghouse, North American Rockwell, Whirlpool, and O.M. Scotts.

While his professional accomplishments were significant, Roger’s true passion lay in the beauty of nature. From a young age, he was captivated by plants and the outdoors – a love that only grew stronger with time. As a young boy, he would walk to the local market, purchase one of the small, bare root trees sold in a bag, and plant it in his parent’s backyard. His first business venture began by growing and selling hardy mums from the backyard of his family’s home in Marion, Ohio. This lifelong interest culminated into a new career when he and his wife, Donna, moved to Powell, Ohio, and founded Baker’s Village Garden Center and Gift Shoppe in 1980 in the Village of Shawnee Hills, Ohio, just north of Dublin. Together they built not just a business, but a community destination that reflected Roger’s passion for quality, a keen eye for design and his naturally good instincts for business. Upon graduating from The Ohio State University, both children, Jeff and Jami, joined the family business which continues to grow into the present-day Baker’s. This year marked Baker’s 45th anniversary – a testament to Roger’s vision and dedication.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Donna Stockum Baker; his son, Jeff Allan Baker; and his daughter, Jami Lynn Baker. Sister-in-law, Judy Baker, nephews Scott (Michelle) Baker and Kirby (Erin) Baker reside in Michigan. Brother-in-law Darl (Becky) Stockum resides in Coshocton, Ohio. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Emogene Herb Baker and Raymond Charles Baker, and his brother Dennis Baker of Michigan.

Arrangements are entrusted to Schoedinger Dublin. A private service will be observed. Burial will be in the Oller Cemetery in Delaware County. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Roger’s memory to Shawnee Hills Blooms Inc., a local organization which helps the community flourish through beautification by encouraging the use of flowers, plants and trees.

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Checks may be sent to: Shawnee Hills Blooms Inc., 9640 Shawnee Trail, Shawnee Hills, OH 43065.

May Roger’s memory continue to inspire those who knew him to find beauty in nature and peace in its quiet moments.