Obituaries

April 18, 1944 to December 2, 2011

WINAMAC - Paul C. Baker, 67, Kewanna, passed away at 8:30 a.m., Friday, Dec. 2, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac.

He was born April 18, 1944, in Winamac, to Chester Richard and Sarah Lavon Davidson Baker. He married Susan L. Pavy on Jan. 26, 1965, in Cassopolis, MI. She survives.

Also surviving are: 
Trent R. Baker, Orlando, FL, Son
Chad M. (Samantha) Baker, McKinney, TX, Son
Kristy Kay (Wyatt) Showley, Knox, Daughter
Andy Mark Baker, McKinney, TX, Grandson
Jaqualyn Sarah Baker, McKinney, TX, Granddaughter
Joel Matthew Showley, Knox, Grandson
Ethan Andrew Showley, Knox, Grandson
Sarah Lavon Baker, Winamac, Mother
Dennis R. Baker, Glendale, CA, Brother
John L. Baker, Winamac, Cousin
David W. Baker, Davenport, FL, Cousin
Michael D. Martin, Unionville, TN, Nephew
Danielle Lynn Baker, State College, PA, Niece
Brittany Nicole Baker, Glendale, CA, Niece

Preceded in death by:
Chester Richard Baker, Father
Lucinda Lee Martin, Sister
Robert Martin, Brother-in-law
Chet Martin, Nephew

Mr. Baker was a lifetime resident of the Winamac area. He graduated from Winamac High School in 1962 and received his B.S.and M.Eds. from Ball State University. He also received continuing education from University of California and Notre Dame. He began his career as a middle school science teacher in Winamac. He also taught high school sciences. He became interim principal at Eastern Pulaski Elementary School. He also went on to become the principal of both the Winamac Community Middle School and Winamac Community High School. He finished his career in education as superintendent of the Caston School System.

He was a member of the Eastern Pulaski Teacher's Association from 1972-1986, and also of the Indiana State Teacher's Association. He served in the U.S. Air Force where he attained the rank of captain in the security police. He also farmed with his father and uncle on the family farm for most of his life. The family farm received the Hoosier Homestead Award from the State of Indiana.

Mr. Baker was a co-founder of the Pulaski County Recycling Project in 1973. He was the first president of the Recycling Board. He co-founded a federal credit union to serve employees of the local school districts. He was a member of the Winamac Kiwanis Club and the Grass Creek Lion's Club. He was a former board member of the 4-County Counseling Center and served as president from 2003-2008. He was currently serving as a board member of the Pulaski County Community Foundation and was serving as president of the Pulaski County Library Board.

He was serving as an elder of the Bethel Bible Church, Winamac. He loved to fish, camp, and ride in his Gator. He also enjoyed target shooting.

Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, at Bethel Bible Church, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday (Dec. 7) at the church with Rev. Thomas Hopewell officiating. Burial will be in McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be given to the American Cancer Society or Bethel Bible Church.