Ernest D. Baker, Sr

Beloit - Ernest D. Baker, Sr. age 71, of 2313 Westville Lake Road, formerly of Leetonia and Salem, died at 12:45 p.m. Thursday, April 21, 2011 at the Alliance Community Hospital.

Mr. Baker was born February 11, 1940 in Leetonia, a son of the late Ernest and Jennie Cross Baker. He has been employed as a tool and die maker at General Motors, Lordstown Plant for 23 years, retiring in 1993. He has also served in the U.S. Navy.

He had been a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church, Salem and was a life member of the VFW Post 4283 of Dade City, FL. He was also a member and past vice president to UAW Local 1714, the CAP Council, and the Knights of Columbus. He had coached Little League sports in Salem including football, baseball, and soccer. He had also coached basketball at St. Paul's School and had been active in the Jesus The Key Ministry.

He is survived by his wife, the former Oralee Swank, whom he married October 15, 1980 a daughter, Terese (Thomas) Mohn of Girard; five sons, Ernest D. Baker, Jr. and Stephen E. (Angela D.) Baker, both of Salem; Thomas S. (Holly) Evans of Willis, TX, Wayne Evans of Rogers, and William (Marcela) Evans of Hawaii; six sisters, Bernice Holisky of McDonald, Delores Newton of Leetonia, Mary Bukovina of Mineral Ridge, Patricia Smith of Washingtonville, Tammy Maynard and Christine Kampfer, both of Leetonia; two brothers, Anthony Baker of Zephyrhills, FL and Wilson Baker of Rogers; and seven grandchildren, Stasia Baker, Stephen Baker, Alexis Mohn, Thomas Mohn, Elizabeth Evans, Samantha Evans, and Gabriel Evans.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Leetonia with the Reverend Dan Cipar officiating. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery, Leetonia where the Salem Honor Guard will accord military honors. Friends may call from 6-9 p.m. on Monday at the Woods-Rettig Funeral Home, Leetonia where a Wake Service will be held at 6 P.M.