Floyd Delbert Baker, Jr.

Floyd Delbert “June” Baker, Jr., went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 in Park Village Healthcare Center following a courageous 16-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Born in Dover on February 12, 1932, he was the son of the late Floyd D. and Bessie Elizabeth (Smitley) Baker, Sr.

After graduating from Dover High School in 1950, June joined the United States Air Force. During that time, he met and fell in love with his lifelong companion and friend, the former Retha M. White. On September 4, 1953, they wed in Oklahoma and began their nearly 60-year journey together.

June’s professional career at Baker Highway Express spanned 30 years. Then, he and Retha served as associate missionaries for the Christian and Missionary Alliance until their retirement. While associate missionaries, they served in Costa Rica, Peru, and Ecuador.

A loving father, grandfather, friend, June loved to take the neighbor kids and his daughters for ice cream and motorcycle rides. He was also an avid golfer.

Most importantly, June was a servant of God. He was a 60-year member of the Dover Alliance Church where he and Retha served in a variety of church ministries. His tenure as the treasurer spanned more than 17 years.

His last 9 years were spent as a resident at Park Village Healthcare Center. There, he received excellent care from his “extended family”.

June will be deeply missed by his wife, Retha; his daughters, Susan (Jeff) Sergent and Staci (Scott) Snyder both of New Philadelphia; Stephanie (Rev. Tim) Richter of North Ft. Myers, Florida and Sheri (Bill) McDonnell of Mineral City; much-loved exchange student, Jennifer Mooney Tuxford of Australia; his grandchildren, Oakley, Wyatt, Quinn and Savanna Angel of New Philadelphia, Zach (Julie) Angel of Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington, Justice Richter of Orlando, Florida, Luke and Haven Richter of North Ft. Myers, Florida, Mark (Nicole) McDonnell of Mineral City, Marci (fiancé, Scott Rehm) McDonnell of Dover, Mike (Erica) McDonnell of Truckee, California, David (Danya) Sergent of Dover, and Keri (Brent) Lewis of New Albany, Ohio, and Melody Hixson of Georgia; his siblings, Chuck (Mel) Baker of Canton, Jerry Baker of Warren, Shirley Baker of Dover, Mildred Myers of New Philadelphia, Robert (Kathy) Baker of Dover, and Ron (Cheryl) Baker of New Philadelphia; and his faithful friend and cousin, Tom Hupp of Dover. June’s great-grandchildren, Tayler, Beckam, Bryn, Brayden, Brier, Chase, Colin, Landon, Adelynn, and Lydia and numerous nieces and nephews complete his family.

In addition to his parents, June was preceded in death by his infant son, David Glen.

Visitation will be held in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover, 5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. June’s son-in-law, Pastor Scott D. Snyder will officiate his service in the funeral home Saturday beginning at 2 p.m. Burial will follow in Dover Burial Park where the Dover V.F.W. will render military honors.

Memorial contributions in June’s memory may be directed to Dover Alliance Church, 228 East 3rd St., Dover, Ohio 44622.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of June by visiting the funeral home website at www.GeibCares.com.