GAHANNA: Richard L. "Dick" Baker, age 81, entered his heavenly home on Monday, May 27, 2013.
He was born May 28, 1931, in Gahanna, Ohio, (Franklin County) son of Walter and Adrian Baker.
Richard was a 1949 graduate of Gahanna Lincoln High School where he was active in many school music programs including the High school Marching Band, Lincoln Pep Band and Orchestra. He was the founder of the "Jive Five", "Corn Cobs", "Buckeye Five", and "The MidWesterners" bands which played all around central Ohio for over 53 years.
Richard served in the U.S. Army and was a graduate of their Engineers Electricians School in Ft. Belvor, Virginia. While in the Army he played with various bands and music groups across the United States, appearing on AFRS Radio broadcasts weekly, and live on stage from the USO in Fairbanks, Alaska, on KFAR Radio.
He was a 40+ year member of Musicians Union Local #103 A F of M, Columbus, Ohio.
During his lifetime he played saxophone, upright bass, and electric bass with more than 90 musical groups, and he had the opportunity to record for both Hickory Records of Nashville, Tennessee, and Olympic Records of Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as play live on television from the studios of WLWC, WTVN, and WHOK.
In 1984, Richard retired from his position as a Deputy Treasurer of Franklin County, Ohio after 30 years of service; he also was sole proprietor of Baker Electric Radio & TV Repair, and a graduate of the RETS (DeVry) Electronics School.
A long-time member of Franklin United Brethren Church in New Albany, Richard eagerly shared his love of music and family with everyone he touched.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Adrian Baker of Gahanna; brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Jane Baker of New Albany; and many uncles and aunts.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mavis (Phillips) Baker of New Albany; daughter, Cheryl (Michael) Harrison; and grandson, Gabriel Harrison of Columbus; and aunt, Cleo Seesholtz of Lancaster, Ohio; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and musical acquaintances.
Visitation will be held Thursday, May 30, 2013 from 4pm-7pm at the SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL, 1051 E. Johnstown RD. (at Beecher RD) Gahanna.
Funeral Service will be held at 10am on Friday, May 31, 2013 at Franklin United Brethren Church, 7171 Central College Rd., New Albany, OH.
Interment at Mifflin Cemetery.
Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share a favorite memory or send a condolence.
Published in the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette on May 30, 2013
He was born May 28, 1931, in Gahanna, Ohio, (Franklin County) son of Walter and Adrian Baker.
Richard was a 1949 graduate of Gahanna Lincoln High School where he was active in many school music programs including the High school Marching Band, Lincoln Pep Band and Orchestra. He was the founder of the "Jive Five", "Corn Cobs", "Buckeye Five", and "The MidWesterners" bands which played all around central Ohio for over 53 years.
Richard served in the U.S. Army and was a graduate of their Engineers Electricians School in Ft. Belvor, Virginia. While in the Army he played with various bands and music groups across the United States, appearing on AFRS Radio broadcasts weekly, and live on stage from the USO in Fairbanks, Alaska, on KFAR Radio.
He was a 40+ year member of Musicians Union Local #103 A F of M, Columbus, Ohio.
During his lifetime he played saxophone, upright bass, and electric bass with more than 90 musical groups, and he had the opportunity to record for both Hickory Records of Nashville, Tennessee, and Olympic Records of Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as play live on television from the studios of WLWC, WTVN, and WHOK.
In 1984, Richard retired from his position as a Deputy Treasurer of Franklin County, Ohio after 30 years of service; he also was sole proprietor of Baker Electric Radio & TV Repair, and a graduate of the RETS (DeVry) Electronics School.
A long-time member of Franklin United Brethren Church in New Albany, Richard eagerly shared his love of music and family with everyone he touched.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Adrian Baker of Gahanna; brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Jane Baker of New Albany; and many uncles and aunts.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mavis (Phillips) Baker of New Albany; daughter, Cheryl (Michael) Harrison; and grandson, Gabriel Harrison of Columbus; and aunt, Cleo Seesholtz of Lancaster, Ohio; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and musical acquaintances.
Visitation will be held Thursday, May 30, 2013 from 4pm-7pm at the SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL, 1051 E. Johnstown RD. (at Beecher RD) Gahanna.
Funeral Service will be held at 10am on Friday, May 31, 2013 at Franklin United Brethren Church, 7171 Central College Rd., New Albany, OH.
Interment at Mifflin Cemetery.
Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share a favorite memory or send a condolence.
Published in the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette on May 30, 2013
