Russell Baker's Obituary
Russell Daniel "Don" Baker, age 74 , of North Ridgeville, died on Wednesday afternoon, June 15, 2005, at his home; following a long illness.
He was born in East Cleveland and had been a resident of North Ridgeville the past 51 years; having moved from Fairview Park.
Mr. Baker worked as the head sexton at Resthaven Memory Gardens for 33 years and retired in December of 2004.
Russell graduated from Fairview High School in 1948 and attended Ohio State University for two years.
He served in the United States Marine Corps for three years during the Korean conflict and held the rank of Sargent.
He and his wife were very active in the North Ridgeville Athletic and Band Boosters for many years. They were the Golden Kernels in 1995.
He enjoyed gardening.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Marguerite (nee Wessel) Baker; daughters, Diana (Paul) Goode, of North Ridgeville, Gail (Gary) Kula, of Middleburg Heights, Grace (Charles) Johnson, of Grafton and Linda (Robert) Matis, of North Ridgeville; son Jeffrey Baker, of North Ridgeville; eleven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Fox, of Medina, Eileen Simmons, of Eaton Township and Jean Conley, of Elyria; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell B. and Helen M. (nee Burgung) Baker; brother, Robert Dean; sisters, Helen Thorpe and Barbara Fertig.
Friends may call on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the David Bogner Family Funeral Home, 36625 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville; where services will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM. Reverend Bill Shomo will officiate.Burial will be in Resthaven Memory Gardens, Avon. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, 424 Middle Ave., Elyria, Ohio 44035.
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