Richard "Rick" Baker

Richard R. “Rick” Baker, 75, a lifelong resident of Dover died Monday, April 5, 2021 in the Community Hospice Truman House following a six year battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Rick and his wife Karon owned and operated the Baker Florist (3rd generation) for 39 years until their retirement. The business is now operated by their daughter Dalene. The family business has been operating since in 1924.

Born Dec. 5, 1945 in Dover, he was the son of the late Richard R. and June (Angel) Baker Sr.

Rick was a graduate of Dover High School and the Ohio State University. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during Vietnam and operated and guided a L.A.R.K. (Landing Craft) for six months. He taught CPR for the Red Cross and American Heart Association. He was a life member of the Dover Jaycees, member of the Exchange Club, and former member of the Dover Kiwanis. He played 30 years of poor golf and was a member of the Union Country Club. He also belonged to the St. John’s United Church of Christ in Dover where he previously sang in the choir. He was also a life member of the Dover and New Philadelphia Elks lodges and the Dover Eagles. He was active in numerous floral organizations including Past President of the Ohio Flower Growers Assn., former board member of the Ohio Buckeye Unit of Teleflora. During his early years, he was a member of the Dover Band Boosters and ran the concession stands for 6 years. He was a former Boy Scout leader for Troop #99 and volunteered for the Dover-N.P. Food Pantry and longtime volunteer for the Hospice golf outing. He enjoyed boating and fishing at Atwood and Leesville Lakes. He and Karon loved traveling the world with family and friends.

Rick will be sadly missed by his family including his wife of nearly 50 years, Karon Blanton Baker who were married on June 23, 1971; two daughters, Deanna Urban of Las Vegas, Nevada and Dalene Baker of Dover; three grandchildren, Damien, Justin, and Jocelyn and a son they never had, Tom Albury of Canton along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins including special nieces Tonya, Missy and their families.

Chaplain Brian Flood will officiate memorial services on Saturday, April 10 beginning at 7pm in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover where friends will be received Saturday from 3-7pm. Cremation will follow services and he will be laid to rest at a later date in the Maple Grove Cemetery at Dover where military honors will be held. Those who cannot attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Rick can sign the online guestbook by visiting the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

For those who may wish to send flowers, please visit bakerflorist.com