NILES - Eugene James Baker Sr., 81, was reunited with his wife of 55 years, Ceceilia Whetstone Baker, on Saturday, July 7, 2012, to God's Heavenly Kingdom.
He was born Jan. 31, 1931, and was a lifetime area resident.
He was retired from Republic Steel, where he worked for 34 years.
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Together again
Eugene had honorably served his country in the U.S. Army and earned several medals during the Korean War, including two Bronze Stars.
Eugene was an avid train collector, enjoyed singing, watching the Cleveland Indians, taking trips to Mountaineer with his children and spending quality time with the children and great-grandchildren he adored.
Eugene is survived by two sons, Eugene ''Gene'' (Sandra) Baker Jr. and Lonnie (Tammy) Baker, both of Niles; four daughters, Kathryn (Joe) Richards of Austintown, Christina (Joe) Fusco of Girard, April (Guy) Vance of Niles and Lisa Bordell of West Middlesex, Pa.; 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; two brothers, George Baker and Johnny Baker; and several nieces and nephews.
The family gives special mention to Esther Edwards-Howey, his niece, for being a loving part of his care, and to David, Barb and Alex Harper for spending time with him and being a part of his loving care.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Brown and Barbara (Fedor) Baker; two brothers, Brown Baker and Derso Baker; three sisters, Mary Parthamer, Helen Shelton and Annie Baker; and one grandson, Randal Baker.
Friends and family may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Robert P. McDermott Memorial Home in Niles. Services will be immediately following and cremation will take place with burial to be in Niles Cemetery.
The family offers a special thank-you to St. Elizabeth eighth floor nurses, aides, staff and Hospice of the Valley for their most wonderful care of Eugene and his family during this time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that material contributions be made to Hospice of the Valley.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Robert P. McDermott Memorial Home.
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