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Ronald E. “Bean” Baker, 72, of Pioneer was taken home by his LORD and Saviour on Friday, January 17, 2020. He was the son of the late John W. Baker and Burdena (DeLong) Baker on August 11, 1947 at Cameron Hospital in Bryan, Ohio. He was the fifth of ten children and is survived by sisters Judy Yoder, Vicki (Bert) McReynolds, Carol (Duane) Herman and Michelle (Willy) Pearson, as well as brothers Sherm (Linda) Baker, Steve (Wanda) Baker and Curtis “Butch” (Darcy) Baker. He was preceded in death by a brother John Jr. and a sister Nancy.
Ron married Marsha J. King on March 10, 1968, and after 51 years they never stopped holding hands, and she survives. Their children are Debbie Jo (Greg) Taylor of Crestline, Ohio, Daniel (Kym) Baker of Stryker and David (Lyn) Baker of Pioneer. Grandchildren are Claira, Kaitlyn and Samuel Taylor, Ashtyn Baker (deceased), Ethan Baker and Charlie, Chloe and Caden Baker. Ron loved all of his family and enjoyed every moment with them as he watched them grow.
After graduating from North Central High School in 1965 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in April of 1965 and served three consecutive tours in South Vietnam, before returning to Parris Island, South Carolina as a Drill Instructor. After being discharged in April 1969, he worked construction in the local area. In September 1972 he joined the United States Air Force and served for 16 years, retiring in December 1988. Ron was a member and deacon of the First Baptist Church in Bryan, where he taught Sunday School for approximately 40 years and a local Bible Study group for 10+ years. There was no greater joy than having had the privilege to introduce many people, both young and old, to the LORD during his Christian life.
He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, Williams County Chapter #83, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Retired Enlisted Association, the Non-Commissioned Officers Association, the National Association of Uniformed Services and the North American Fishing Club. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #307 in Pioneer and the Marine Corps League.
Ron loved hunting, fishing and camping, especially in Alaska during his 8 years being stationed there in the Air Force, at Elmendorf AFB, just outside of Anchorage.
Visitation will be on Thursday, January 23rd from 4-8pm at the First Baptist Church in Bryan, Ohio. A Celebration of Life for Ron will be Friday, January 24th at 2pm at the church with Pastor John MacFarlane to officiate. There will be a private graveside service at Floral Grove Cemetery in Pioneer with military rites provided by the United States Marine Corps and the Pioneer Veterans. Memorial contributions may be given to Marsha Baker (PO Box 938, Pioneer, OH 43554) or St. Jude’s Research Hospital.