William Wilson Baker
Gas company retiree served in Marine Corps
William Wilson Baker, 87, of Beallsville, passed away Friday, November 22, 2013, in his home.
He was born August 29, 1926, in Deemston Borough, a son of the late Glen and Muriel Wilson Baker.
Mr. Baker was a 1944 graduate of Ellsworth High School.
After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving with the 1st Marine Division during World War II. He participated in action against the enemy at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, and participated in the Occupation of China. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received at Okinawa.
After his discharge from the Marine Corps, he was employed by Peoples Natural Gas Co., retiring in 1986 after 40 years of service. He was a member of the Quarter-Century Club.
He was a very active member of the former Beallsville Presbyterian Church, a 67-year member of Independent Order of Oddfellows, Charleroi Lodge, and was a founding member of Beallsville Civic Association.
Mr. Baker was very proud to have served as a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America in Beallsville, where he lead his troop on an expedition to Philmont (N.M.) Scout Ranch.
On August 18, 1951, he married Rose Marie Elliott, who survives. They celebrated 62 years of marriage.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two sons, William W. Baker (Deborah) and Brad E. Baker, both of Beallsville; a grandson, Nathan Baker (Carrie) of Brownsville; a brother, Clyde “Doc” Baker of Waynesboro; two sisters, Frances Pitzer (Robert) of Daisytown and Faye Harr (Edward) of Beallsville; a sister-in-law, Shirley Baker of Monongahela; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Deceased, in addition to his parents, are three brothers, Charles, Duane “Du” and Lawrence “Chubb” Baker, who was killed in action during the Korean conflict; two sisters, Beryl Lobb and Beatrice Grable; two sisters-in-law, Frances Baker and Betty Baker; and a brother-in-law, Al Lobb.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Monday in John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 26, with the Rev. Gary Gregg officiating. Interment will follow in Beallsville Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded graveside by Hancock-McCune-Horne American Legion Post 705, Centerville.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Beallsville Civic Association, P.O. Box 99, Beallsville, PA 15313; Fredericktown Area Library, P.O. Box 62, Fredericktown, PA 15333; or Hospice Care of Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301. A guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.greenleefuneralhome.com.