Richard H. Baker

“Well done thou good and faithful servant”

At 4:57a.m. on October 8, 2021, Richard H. Baker (Dick Baker) stepped into glory to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  We rejoice that he is now free, happy, and experiencing pure joy.  Richard was the epitome of a good loving man, father, husband, and friend.  Loved by everyone who knew him.  In addition to his love of finance, accounting, and being a CPA, Dick had the heart of a true giver.  His home office is full of receipts from years of giving to many charities so dear to his heart.  Many a family member or friend has told of a time he quietly helped them out when they were in need.  He was so many things to so many people and will be sorely missed.

And we cannot talk about Dick Baker without mentioning golf!  He dearly loved to play golf.  In 2007 he was the senior champion at Oakwood Country Club.  In 2009, again at Oakwood, Dick proudly sank his now famous hole in one on the 8th hole. 

Dick Baker lived a long life of 92 years, born on September 18, 1929 in Waterloo, Iowa, son of Lee F. and Dora (Dolly) Baker (Wilharm).  He attended West Waterloo High School, graduating in 1947.  Dick also attended the University of Northern Iowa (formerly Iowa State Teachers College) and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1951, with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, majoring in Accounting.

Dick served in the U.S. Marine Corps (1951-1953), during the Korean conflict.  He was stationed in San Francisco, CA and on the U.S. Naval Base, Treasure Island, San Francisco, CA. Shortly after the end of the conflict and getting married, he relocated first to Minneapolis, MN, and then to Canton, OH where he would remain until his passing.

He worked for G. E. Capital in Minneapolis, Oklahoma City, and Canton for a period of 14 years.  He retired after 32 years as a practicing CPA and principal with Mestel Long & Baker in Canton, OH. 
Dick was a former member of the American Institute of CPA’s, life member of the Ohio Society of CPA’s, and a long-time treasurer for Oakwood Country Club.  He was a member and former treasurer of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Canton, OH.

Married to Velma (Val) Woods in 1953, who predeceased him in 1985; in 1987 he married Janet (Chipps) Domer, who predeceased him in 1994; he married Janice (Jenkins) Van Nostran in 1997 who predeceased him by 39 days on August 30, 2021.

Dick is also predeceased by his parents, a brother, Robert L. Baker of Minneapolis, a sister, Patty J. Schwestka of Ft. Worth, TX, a sister Betty J. (Merwin) Dieckmann of Lake Gaston, NC.

He is survived by his daughter, Sue (Baker) Fischer of Austin, TX; brother-in-law Merwin (Betty) Dieckmann of Lake Gaston, NC; step-children Michelle (Ed) Yorns, Ed Domer, Michael Domer, David Domer; step-children Kim (Ambrose) Perduk, Will (Sue) Van Nostran, and Kathyrn Bush, as well as a number of step-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

A military service will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021, with Pastor Eli Klingensmith presiding at Arnold Funeral Home at 1517 Market Ave. N., Canton, OH 44714.  Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. followed by the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. and concluding at the North Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wounded Warriors, United States Naval Memorial, or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

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