OBIT: William H. BAKER, 2006, Tyrone, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Sharon Miller Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _________________________________________ WILLIAM H. BAKER William H. Baker, age 78, of 1509 Madison Avenue, Tyrone, died Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 1 a.m. at Epworth Manor. He was born in Bellefonte on August 23, 1928 to Harold E. and Carrie M. Holter Baker. At age 12 he and his family moved to Tyrone where he resided the remainder of his life. He leaves his devoted wife of 52 years, Mary Elizabeth "Liz" Baker and a loving sister, Judith Ann, wife of Gary E. Long of Chambersburg. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert A. and John F. Baker. He was a 1946 graduate of Tyrone High School where he excelled in the varsity sports of football, basketball and track. He was best known for his prowess in basketball where he led the Mountain League Conference in scoring in both his junior and senior years. As recognition to his sports achievements, he was admitted to the Monogram Club in 1988 and was inducted into the Tyrone Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. Following graduation he attended the Mercersburg Academy then went to Muhlenberg College where he graduated in 1951 after leading his college team in scoring his senior year. Following graduation from college, he spent two years on active duty in the U.S. Army after which he attended Lock Haven State Teachers College where he obtained his teaching certification. On July 2, 1954 he married Mary Elizabeth Peck of McConnellsburg. In 1955 he returned to Tyrone High School as a teacher in mathematics and history while remaining active in the sports program as the coach of the junior varsity basketball team. While teaching, he received his M.Ed. from Penn State University. During his career he held various administrative positions including Attendance Director, Assistant Principal, Principal and Director of Curriculum, retiring in 1985. Following retirement he traveled extensively with his wife Liz throughout the United States with special emphasis on tours to the Fiesta and Rose Bowls urging the blue and white to victory. Between trips he continued his love of fly fishing at a "secret spot" near the Triangle. Always an avid Golden Eagles fan, he always had his radio handy on Friday nights. He was a dedicated member of the Church of the Good Shepherd Methodist Church where he participated in many volunteer activities including the church Meals on Wheels program, the Church "Engineers" and the building committee. He and Liz where also active in the "Galloping Gourmets" and he was a charter member of the "Burger King Group" where he enjoyed good coffee and good friendship while solving the town's problems daily. He also served as a past president of the Kiwanis Club. Private funeral services for William H. Baker will be held at the convenience of the family at the Richard H. Searer Funeral Home Inc. with Reverend Andrew T. Bradley officiating. Interment will follow in Blair Memorial Park. Contributions in Bill's memory may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305 or to the Church of the Good Shepherd Building Fund, 1650 Clay Avenue, Tyrone, PA 16686 or to the Home Nursing Agency, 201 Chestnut Avenue, P.O. Box 352, Altoona, PA 16603. Though he will be sadly missed, Bill's gentle manner and his warm smile will always be with us. Tyrone Daily Herald, October 19, 2006