Gary R. Baker, 78, of Bedford, died on December 12, 2017 at Pennknoll Village Nursing Home. He was born on February 28, 1939, in Salemville, a son of the late Jess and Pauline (Hinton) Baker. On July 29, 1962, in Bedford, he married Sharlet (Snyder) Baker who preceded him in death on February 26, 2013. He is survived by two sons:  Gary R. Baker, of Manns Choice, Michael S. Baker of Bedford; three grandchildren:  Spencer, Preston, and Shannon, all of Hagerstown. MD; a sister, Joy L. Baird and husband Jim, of Grant Valkaries, FL; a brother-in-law, Richard V. Snyder and wife Pamela, of Harrisburg; and one nephew Nathan Snyder. He left behind many loving and caring people and one very special friend.

Gary graduated from Bedford High School in 1957.  He was drafted into the Army in 1959 and served a two year tour with the 13th Calvary Tank Battalion in Germany until his discharge in 1962 with the rank of E-5.  He worked for the great A&P Grocery Store during high school and after returning home from the service.  He also worked for the Standard Register Company as a machinist helper and maintenance supervisor and later opened his own welding and repair shop from which he retired.  He was a 50 year member of the Bedford Lodge No. 320 F&AM.  He was a member and sang in the choir at the Bedford Presbyterian Church for many years. He enjoyed watching the boys play sports where ever they were.  He helped coach little league baseball and as a PIAA member, and officiated baseball and softball at several different levels for many years.  He enjoyed the time together with the family, and especially playing golf with the fun gang.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., in the Chapel at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford, with Rev. Joy Kauffman and Rev. Paul Claycomb officiating.  Burial will be private.  Friends will be received on Tuesday from 9:30 until the hour of the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Gary’s name to the Bedford Food Outreach, P.O. Box 324, Bedford, PA 15522 or the Bedford Presbyterian Church, 145 South Juliana St., Bedford, PA 15522. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.  

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