Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Baker, Joseph F. May 17, 1906
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Marilyn Ransom mlnransom@chartermi.net May 29, 2010, 5:47 pm

The Lyons Herald, Thursday, May 24, 1906
The Herald is called upon this week to chronicle the death of one whose entire 
business life has been passed in this village and one whose career has been 
one of self-sacrificing devotion to the interests of the community.  The 
passing of such a man is a distinct loss to the world and in a measure is 
irreparable.

Joseph F. Baker was born in Hudson, Michigan, April 26, 1845, and died at 
Lyons Thursday, May 17, 1906, aged 61 years and 21 days.  His last illness was 
of three months duration, the cause of death being progressive pernicious 
anemia.  

His parents were Mr. and Mrs. Marvin F. Baker, who were prominent residents of 
Lyons, Mr. Baker being postmaster from 1863 to the time of his death.  He was 
one of the organizers of the Baptist Church and was always interested in 
everything that tended to the advancement of his town.  In 1851 the family 
came to Lyons, where deceased grew up and became one of its first citizens and 
business men.  On August 27, 1868 he was united in marriage to Alice C. 
Wetmore of Marshall, to whom were born two sons, Jay F. Baker of Grand Rapids 
and M. Fred Baker of Lyons, who with the widow and two sisters, Mrs. C. F. 
Robinson and Mrs. Rose Dundass survive.

In 1867 deceased entered into copartnership with Charles M. Hatch under the 
Hatch & Baker and such relationship continued in perfect harmony up to the 
time of his death, and it is safe to say that this firm is the oldest and best 
known in the county.  Its entire history is interwoven in the life of the 
community and whenever the interests of the village were sought to be advanced 
the firm was always ready to do its share to bring about the desired result.

Deceased was the foremost advocate of every enterprise which might add to the 
prosperity of Lyons and at all times was loyal to every home industry.  His 
efforts were not confined to the industrial welfare alone, but took in those 
agencies which tended to better the moral and educational interests of the 
village.  In fact no worthy cause ever applied to him in vain.

Mr. Baker held many public offices in his village and township and was ever 
faithful in the performance of his duties.  At the time of his last illness he 
was completing his 20th term as township clerk and without question was the 
best posted man in the township on township matters.  He always took a great 
interest in our school and was a member of the board at his death and had been 
for many years.  He was a member of Lyons Lodge F.&A.M. and of the K.O.T.M.M., 
both of which contributed beautiful floral pieces at his funeral.

The funeral was held at the home Saturday, May 19, the house and grounds being 
filled with friends who desired to pay their last tribute to one who in life 
they delighted to honor.  C. E. Jameson of Grace Episcopal Church, or which 
deceased was a member, conducted the service, being assisted by Rev. J. Henn 
of the Baptist Church, the music being furnished by Mrs. Ruel and Mrs. 
Steadman.  Flowers covered every available space on and around the casket.  
The pall bearers were E. C. Spalding, S. W. Webber, W. C. Hawley, L. H. Hale, 
M. E. Brown, E. S. Fuller.  Interment in Lyons cemetery.  His life’s work was 
well performed and his memory will be kept green in the hearts of a host of 
loving friends.


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