Octave G. Baker

Octave George Baker, 91, of Evergreen Drive, Bedford, died Sunday, February 10, 2013, at his residence.  He was born on June 17, 1921, in New Brighton, the son of the late Harry Leland and Marie Augustine Rousseau Baker. On June 18, 1950, in Glenville, WV, he married Ruth Ann Davidson, and she survives along with a daughter, Linda Sue Gardill of Bedford, a son, Michael Lynn Baker and wife Christine of Corriganville, MD, four grandchildren, Jill, wife of Matthew Sensenig of Newmanstown, Brian Gardill, of Yucca Valley, CA,  Jennifer, wife of Nathan Ramsey of LaVale, MD,  Kelly Baker, a student at Frostburg State University, five great grandsons: Jed Matthew, Max Thomas, Jon Taylor Sensenig, Tyson Clark and Levi Colton Ramsey.  He was preceded in death by two brothers: Harry Alan Baker and Clifford Edward Baker.

Mr. Baker was a graduate of Rogersville High School.  After the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, he and his two brothers enlisted in the US Army, each serving in different areas.  George was sent to the China/Burma/India Theater.  He received an honorable discharge as sergeant on March 14, 1946.  He was employed by Texas Eastern Transmission Corporation for 35 years, retiring in 1985.  After his retirement, he enjoyed working in John E. Holbert’s lawn care business for a number of years.  He also enjoyed helping members of the community by doing odd jobs for them throughout the years. George was a member of the Bedford Presbyterian Church.  He volunteered at the Bedford Food Pantry for over 25 years and served as treasurer of that organization for 14 years.  He was also a member of the Bedford American Legion Post 113. He enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, gardening, reading (especially books about the civil war) and doing puzzles.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, February 14, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford, with Rev. Doug Friant officiating.  Burial at Bedford County Memorial Park, with full military rites conducted by the Fort Bedford Honor Guard.  Friends will be received on Wednesday, from 4 – 8 p.m. and 1 hour prior to the service on Thursday at the funeral home.  In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bedford Presbyterian Church, 145 South Juliana Street, Bedford, PA 15522 or Bedford Food Outreach, P.O. Box 7, Bedford, PA 15522.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.