Ronald Hugh Baker

Ronald Hugh Baker, 77, of Altavista, VA and Plant City, FL died Tuesday, August 30, 2011. He was Barbara Anne Baker\"™s loving husband for 57 years. He died at home, as was his wish.

Born December 11, 1933 in Erie, PA, Ron was the father of Ronda Schulte  (Arnold) of Dover, FL, Curt Baker (Alison) of Lynchburg, VA, and Lincoln Baker (Dori) of Altavista, VA.

Ron was a person of exuberant joy, always ready with a wink, a smile, joke, or a wave. He was an avid storyteller, a lifelong adult Sunday school teacher, and an attentive and loving grandfather. After retiring, he lived part of each year in Altavista, where he spent time enjoying his family, engrossed in a good book, studying Scripture, whittling, and walking with his wife. He carefully tended friendships, new and old. His wisdom — shared through a book of humorous stories about his mischievous younger years– will be cherished by those who love him. He treasured the shoreline of Lake Erie, where he spent his childhood and returned for a month each summer to visit relatives, look for tall ships, and watch the sunsets. Ron and Barbara spent their winters in Plant City, where they have many friends.

Ron ran track at Academy High School in Erie and played trumpet at Fort Myers High School, where he graduated in 1952. After high school graduation, he entered the US Air Force where he served for eight years, including four years active duty in the Korean War. He enjoyed driving his race car \"the bomb\" and never lost a drag race.

Ron trained as a banker at Oklahoma University and retired as a senior vice president of Sunshine State Federal Savings and Loan in Plant City. He worked his way up from a bank teller while being a community leader. Ron received the Plant City Citizen of the Year Award and was a former president of the Lions Club. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Plant City.  For 37 years he led the Open Door Sunday School class, which attracted the adult children of many of its older members.  He also served as the district lay leader for the Tampa District of the United Methodist Church and was the volunteer director of the Hillsborough County United Way. While his sons were young, Ron was a Cub Scout troop leader and coached Little League baseball and basketball.

Ron has, for the last three years, taught the Unity Class at Lane Memorial United Methodist Church in Altavista. He and his wife also led a weekly Bible study class in their home. He volunteered weekly at the Alan B. Pearson Cancer Center.

In addition to his wife and children, Ron is survived by his sister Carol (Bob) Mohney, numerous grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. His grandchildren are Chris Pippin (Heather); Jill Ritenauer (Geo); Erin and Olivia Baker; Phoebe Baker; Shanna Kennedy (Nick); Jered Kimbrell (Melissa); and Morgan and Chelsea Duval. His great-grandson is Mason Ritenauer.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Lane Memorial United Methodist Church in Altavista, VA; the Children\"™s Playground Fund of First United Methodist Church of Plant City, FL; the Florida United Methodist Children\"™s Home, PO Box 6299, Deltona, FL 32728-988; or Centra Hospice.

 

A celebration of life will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 4, 2011 at Lane United Methodist Church in Altavista with the () officiating.  Family will receive family and friends at the residence.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, 434-237-9424.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.