William Baker

William R. Baker, 83, of Mansfield died Wednesday morning, September 3, 2003 at MedCentral Mansfield Hospital. He was born September 1, 1920 in Mansfield to Russell Clayton and Viola Sarah Yarger Baker and was an area resident his entire life. William retired from Mansfield Tire and Rubber Company after 40 years and also worked for Mansfield City Schools as a bus driver for 25 years. He attended First United Methodist Church, where he was an usher. He served with the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of WWII. William was a lifetime member of DAV, Mansfield Masonic Lodge #35, F. and A.M., Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, and an active member of the Mansfield Mehock Relays Interscholastic Track meets. He was also an umpire for Mansfield Recreation Department and was an avid Buckeye fan and served as an usher for Ohio State football games.

He is survived by his wife, Lois M. Smith Baker; two sons and daughters-in-law, Robert B. and Gail Baker of Columbus and James G. and Karen Baker of Hinckley, Ohio; four grandchildren, Tricia Baker and Tiffany Baker of Columbus and Zachary Baker and Alexandria Baker of Hinckley, Ohio; and a brother and sister-in-law, Robert V. and Jean Baker of Mansfield. His parents preceded him in death.

Friends may call at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, Friday, September 5 from 6-9 p.m. Masonic services will be held Friday at 8:30 p.m. Funeral services conducted by Rev. Charles Tobias will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. The family will have a luncheon following the service at First United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church.