Harry D. Baker's Obituary
Harry D. Baker
of Clearwater, Florida, passed into the arms of our Lord March 25, 2017. He was born in the small town of Lingo, Missouri, on November 5, 1922, to Harriet Agnes (Howard) and Deloss Harry Baker. His family of four brothers and two sisters grew up farming the land. He graduated from Brookfield High School in 1942 and worked for a time making deliveries for a local dairy.
When our country went to war, Harry served in the United States Army. It was during this service that he met Gladys Evelyn Curtis. They were introduced on the campus of Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee; he attending ground school training for the U.S. Army Air Corps and she a coed. They were married October 4, 1945, during Harry’s leave from duty.
After completing his service, the young couple located in the Washington D. C. area in order for Harry to attend Benjamin Franklin Accounting College (now a part of George Washington University). Upon completion of his degree he worked at a local firm until an opportunity to join Haskins & Sells, at that time one of the “big eight” accounting firms, came along. They relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, just in time to welcome their first born, Debra. Two sons followed, Curtis and Robert.
In 1964 Harry was asked by his firm to open a new office in Tampa at which time the family relocated just across the bay in Clearwater. Harry was eventually named Partner in Charge of the Tampa operation and served Haskins & Sells, now named Deloitte, for many years before retiring in 1985.
Harry was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Tampa, was a past president and member for over 50 years. Perhaps his favorite Kiwanis outreach was the annual Christmas party for underprivileged families where he got to watch children’s joy opening gifts selected specifically for them. Harry and Gladys along with their children were active in First United Methodist Church. Each family member was involved in different ways, but some of the best memories were formed when the entire family went on youth mission trips with Harry and Gladys acting as chaperones. Well, Gladys acted like a chaperone. Haha! Later, they also had the privilege to participate at Heritage United Methodist in Countryside where they formed additional friendships. They both volunteered for RCS (Religious Community Services) in Clearwater.
Their later years brought the joys of becoming grandparents to Lesleyanne and Harrison and the development of a very special grandparent relationship to J.D. Harry was happiest when spoiling his grandchildren; whether it was giving Lesleyanne a dollar “…not for your good grades, but just because I love you!” or spiriting Harrison away from his parents to make a Dunkin' Donuts run “….one donut won’t hurt him!” or attending one of J.D.’s sporting events to cheer him on.
Harry had endless love for his family, his friends and his coworkers. When Gladys suffered a major stroke in 2001, Harry never left her side and for the next five years dedicated himself to her care until her passing in 2006. Harry continued to lead a strong and active life and fully enjoyed a big “whing ding” party for his 90th birthday. The last couple of years brought a slowing down of both physical and memory capability and the past month he has experienced a number of physical problems and multiple falls. A broken leg brought him to the hospital and surgical repair was required. Harry passed away during surgery. All three of his children were at his side to the very last and all of his family and friends far and wide were with him in spirit.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Harriet and Deloss Baker, and by his four brothers, Virgil, Delbert, Merton & Robert Baker, and by his two sisters, Clella Cisna & Velma Lichtenberger, and by his wife of 61 years, Gladys Evelyn (Curtis) Baker.
Harry is survived by his children, Debra Linn Drake (William), Curtis Howard Baker (Andree) & Robert Lee Baker (Melissa Freeman), and by his grandchildren, Lesleyanne Evelyn Drake, Harrison Lamour Baker & J.D. Freeman.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to RCS (Religious Community Services), 503 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33756.
Harry D. Baker was one of the good ones! He lead a full and valued life and will be greatly missed. He is in the arms of the Savior, let the angels sing!
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