Ernest "Ike" Paul Baker

Ernest "Ike" Paul Baker, 85, of Dover passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family.

Born on October 10, 1929 in Bolivar, he was the son of the late George H. and Elizabeth (Mohart) Baker. He attended Bolivar High School. On January 20, 1956 he married Rita Cox, who survives.

Ike honorably served our country in in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was a talented welder and worked for Sparta Ceramics East Sparta, Crown Steel in Orville, Metco in Navarre and retired from Gross Welding in New Philadelphia where he worked for ten years.

He was a member of St. Johns United Church of Christ in Dover and the American Legion in Delaware. He loved John Deere and Nascar. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching the Indians, Browns, and Cavs.

In addition to his wife of 59 years, Rita, he will be missed by son; Steven Paul (Susan) Baker of Hudson; daughter, Mary Jo (Tom) Fahrni of Canton; four grandchildren, Lindsay, Zachary "Zach", Andrew "Drew" Baker all of Hudson and Nicole Fahrni of Canton; sister, Evelyn Mushrush of New Philadelphia, Ohio; sister in-law, Gladys Baker of Strasburg; several nieces and nephews; and his k-9 companion, Johnny.

Ike is preceded in death by his infant brother; Kenny Baker; brother, Roland "Baldy" Baker; brother in-law, Arthur "Pete" Mushrush; nephew, Roland James Baker; and his niece, Brenda Baker.

A celebration of Ike's life will be held at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Wednesday, January28, 2015 at 11:00 am with Rev. Thomas Dunkle officiating. Interment will take place at Dover Burial Park where the Dover VFW will conduct military honors. Following the service of committal, a meal will be served at the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center. Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 from 5-7 pm. Those unable to attend, or who would like to share a fond memory of Ike may do so by visiting the "Obituaries & Flowers" link on the funeral home's website.

Memorial contributions can be made to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.