OBITUARY
Gary Wayne Baker
May 12, 1945 – November 13, 2012
Gary Wayne Baker Sr., 67, passed away November 13, 2012, in Mesa, AZ. He was born May 12, 1945, in Alliance, OH, the son of James A. and Marceline M. Baker. He worked as a volunteer fireman at the Elyria Township Fire Dept.; he also worked for such places as Rigid Tools, Skateland, AMF Bowling and Fresh and Easy. Gary is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Connie Baker, who were married on July 18, 1964 in Elyria, OH; he is also survived by his sons Gary W. “Little Gary” Baker, his partner James P. Combs and Douglas E. Baker, his wife Erika A. Baker; brothers William, Ivan and James Baker; grandson Cory Baker; granddaughters Ariana and Kayla Baker. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert Baker and his sisters Virginia Baker, Betty McKinnon and Gladys Warner. A visitation will be held from 6 – 8 pm, Sunday, November 18, 2012 with a funeral service at 11 am, Monday, November 19 at Mariposa Gardens Cemetery Chapel, 6747 East Broadway Rd, Mesa. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to “Stand up to Cancer.org – Melanoma Research or the American Heart Association in memory of Gary. Please visit www.mariposagardens.com to leave a tribute. Arrangements entrusted to Mariposa Gardens (480) 830-4422.
Services
- Visitation Sunday, November 18, 2012
- Funeral Service Monday, November 19, 2012
REMEMBERING
Gary Wayne Baker
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RECEIVE UPDATESNovember 14, 2013
A year later Pops and your light is still burning brighter than ever. Keep watching over each of us as we learn to live without your physical presence. Love you and Thank you...Doug
Julie & Mike Stansberry
November 13, 2013
Connie, Gary was such a wonderful boss, friend, and teacher. He was so much fun to work and play with. Our golf outings made the time we spent in the bowling centers manageable. We have really missed him and it is difficult to realize that he left us a year ago today. He would be so proud of how strong you have been. Mike and I VALUE our friendship with you . Our thoughts are with you family today. Julie and Mike
November 19, 2012
Connie, I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was a great man and did so much for others. I can never express thanks enough for the friend he was to my mom. He will be greatly missed. I know that he is up in heaven with no pain or illness now watching out for you all in the "true" Gary fashion. My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family at this time. Candee Lott, Utah.
Anita Stapleton
November 19, 2012
So very sorry to hear about your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts an prayers. Love, Mike & Anita (Bolland) Stapleton
Maria Moe
November 19, 2012
You had/have the best smile, the best sarcastic, wonderful attitude. I am very privileged to have known you.
Terry and Penny Peterson
November 19, 2012
All our appreciation for being able to share the friendship with such a kind and decent man over the span of many years. Connie and the family are an excellent reflection of Gary's true worth to us all. He will be missed by so many.
November 19, 2012
We are remembering Gary fondly and thinking of all of you at this difficult time. Love, Rick and Karen Maringer
Char McCreadie
November 19, 2012
Lean not unto your own understanding. He has a path for you during this most difficult time. I'm very sorry for your loss. Blessings to all!
Mark Bolland
November 18, 2012
I will never forget your great laugh and smile and the lessons you taught me while i worked at the bowling center. You were a great family man and someone we can all admire. Your legacy will carry on in all of us. Thank you.
Janet
November 18, 2012
I will miss you so much Gary! You have been like a father to me. I thank you for welcoming me into your family. You have been an inspiration to us all. I will love you forever! - Janet (Cory's mom)
Laura Penna
November 18, 2012
We are so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. What a trooper! Your family will forever be a touchstone to Ohio and cherished times. I will never forget walking into Skateland and saying, "He looks like Mr. Baker. Hey, that IS Mr. Baker! " Your photo tribute shows the role he played in your family. Joy radiates in doing life together. God's peace and love, Laura Penna (Prechtel & Bainbridge Families)
November 18, 2012
MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF SORROW.
JERRY & KAY BILLER
Julie & Randy Cormany
November 17, 2012
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
I know for certain that we never lose the people we love. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Garys love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We can find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared his love.
I will miss his so much and I am so sorry for your loss - I love you all!!
Kathleen Monroe
November 17, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of sorrow.
Kay and Teresa Monroe
November 17, 2012
My thoughts are with you & your family..I remember the day you got married on Grafton Rd...Dianne Nolf (Smith) Elyria,ohio Gerry Smith's youngest daughter,also Don Smith from Mesa. R.I.P. Gary
American Heart Association
November 17, 2012
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
November 17, 2012
Good-Bye Uncle Gary, I will miss you very much. But, I will always cherish the memories of hanging out with you, Aunt Connie, Mom, Dad, all us boys, and Julie, sitting around the table sharing stories and playing games, all the over-night Skateland parties, and my first bowling league with you and Aunt Connie on Sunday afternoons. I really enjoyed bowling with you and Dad, in all the leagues, and tournaments, even though you beat me most of the time!
Aunt Connie, thank you for all your love and support over the years. We will truly miss Uncle Gary. Our prayers continue for you, Gary, Doug, and all the family.
Love you so much, Terry, Missy, and Sean.
Pam Shipley
November 16, 2012
Dear Baker Family, we are sincerely sorry for your loss and we send our most deep felt thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace! Our daughter Charlotte truly loved Gary and she always shared with us the fun that was had in your warm and welcome home. We know that Gary's Grandson Cory looked up to his grandfather Gary and that Cory is the wonderful young man that he is because of his wonderful family! Sincerely the Shipley Family
Ann & Klyle Stall
November 16, 2012
Connie, Little Gary, Doug and family,
May you find comfort in knowing that others are holding you close in their hearts during this difficult time Blessings Gary on your journey home. We love you all.
Bill & Marilyn Baker
November 16, 2012
I will miss my dear brother I loved him so much, he will always be in my heart. We will be here for you Connie no matter what you need. There will always be a void in this family without Gary.
November 16, 2012
Grade school through high school was one of the happiest times of my life and Gary was a big part of it. He was a best friend and we did everything together. I haven't forgotten about Gary all these years since he moved to Arizona and I never will forget all the fun we had. Thanks for being my friend and for the memories. Rest in Peace Gary. Always your friend, J. D. Hans (Elyria, Ohio)
November 16, 2012
You are all in our thoughts and prayers..
God Bless, David&Barbara Ross (Pittsburgh,PA)
Doreen and Jim Kelly
November 16, 2012
Connie, Gary, and Doug; Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories bring you comfort.
Michelle Paul
November 16, 2012
Connie, we have such fond memories of our time with you, Gary and the rest of your beautiful family. We were very sorry to hear of Gary's passing. We wish we could be there with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Much love, Tim & Michelle Paul
November 16, 2012
Connie, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Pat, Mona & kids
Kelly Poling
November 15, 2012
I am so happy you all came back to OH and I had the chance to see Uncle Gary @ Molly's. I am sending my love and hugs. You are all in my prayers!Love to all!
Tracey Mogavero
November 15, 2012
Rest in Peace, my friend. I will miss you.
Wendy Klotz
November 15, 2012
Thinking of you in this time of sorrow. My deepest sympathies. My love, thoughts and prayers to you and your entire family. Love, Wendy
November 15, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We've been life-long friends with Gary's sister, (Aunt) Gladys and (Uncle) Roy, so we've always heard good things over the years. God Bless you all. Ronni & John O'Neil (Palm Harbor, FL)
November 15, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the family also.
Roy's mother and dad.(Paul & Dodie)
Marilyn Michalak
November 15, 2012
My prayers are with all the family
Roy Werner
November 15, 2012
So sorry Connie. I to thought Gary would go on for ever. He put up a terrific fight with his illness for so long. Love Roy
John, Audra, Jay and Hanna Millhouse
November 15, 2012
Missing you so much Uncle Gary.
Aunt Connie, Gary, and Doug, sending you hugs and prayers and wishing we could be there in person. Love you all very much.
November 15, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family ,Connie. Love to all .Aunt Gerry
Robin Yost
November 15, 2012
You will be missed but never forgotten. Bless you and yours. Love, Robin
Janelle Ellington
November 15, 2012
Gary, you have always meant so much to me. I guess I just always thought you'd go on forever...Thank you for always being that much needed "Father" figure in Gilbert's life. You were so good to him, to myself and to our boys. When I think of you going forward through life, I feel so blessed to know that I will have only fond memories of you because you were such an amazing, wonderful man. I love you and Connie. I know you will watch over her every single day until you are together again. <3 Janelle
Susan Yost-Smith
November 15, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.