Merle E. Baker

June 18, 1939 - February 21, 2021

Merle E. Baker, 81, of 12260 Guyer Road, Petersburg, passed away at 3:55 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21, 2020, at his home.

Born June 18, 1939, in Huntingdon County, he was a son of the late Roy and Ethel (Rutter) Baker. On Feb. 27, 1959, he married Sylvia J. (Wilson) Baker. She survives at their home.

He is also survived by: his children, Judy Hamer & husband Earl ‘Pete’ of Lewistown; Mary Fitzgerald & partner Dale Thompson of Petersburg; Joe Baker & wife Polly (Snyder) of Petersburg; five grandchildren, Janel, Katie, Jason, Travis, and Elaine; six great-grandchildren, Emmit, Cali, Carter, Alana, Lucas, and Haileigh, as well as brothers and sisters, Carl Baker & wife Sandy, Gerald Baker & wife Marcalene, Kenny Baker & wife Elaine, Lee Baker & wife Glenda, Francis Baker & wife Edie, Maxine Banks & husband Elwood ‘Bud’, Martha McGarvey, and Jean Thompson & husband Ernie, and a sister-in-law, Faye Baker. He was preceded in death by an infant grandson, Ryan Fitzgerald in November 1987, and siblings, Betty Cresswell, Viola Hanks, Helen Bryant, Glen Baker and Wayne Baker.

Merle attended Huntingdon Area High School. He was employed at Peachey Foods in Belleville for 41 years until his retirement in January 2020. Being outdoors was one of his favorite past times. He could be found doing yard work, tending to his flower or vegetable gardens, or riding his motorcycle. He especially liked going on trike rides with his brother Carl. He also enjoyed listening to blue grass music and he loved his dog Buddy.

His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, 2020, at Henderson Funeral Home, Belleville with Pastor Vaughn Kanagy officiating. Burial will take place following the service at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Cemetery in McAlevy’s Fort. His family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Arrangements are under the care of Henderson Funeral Home, Belleville. Online condolences may be offered at www.hendersonfuneralhomes.net.