Rev. David W. Baker Sr., 95

MILLSBORO - Rev. David W. Baker, Sr., age 95, of Millsboro, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, at Harrison Senior Living in Georgetown, after a long life of dedication to his family and the United Methodist Church. He was born July 17, 1914, in Wilmington, son of the late Rev. Frank A. Baker, Sr. and Mrs. Louise (Reybold) Baker. The oldest of six children, Rev. Baker attended public school in Delaware and Maryland, graduated from Wicomico High School in Salisbury; attended Union College in Kentucky; graduated from the University of Delaware in 1939; and from Drew Theological Seminary in 1942. At his death, he was the last living pastor to join the former Wilmington Conference in 1939, which later that year became the Peninsula Conference, now the Peninsula - Delaware Conference. In June 2009, he celebrated the 70th anniversary of his ordination. On Dec. 28, 1940, he married Florence Ellen Hottel and together they served the following parishes: In Delaware: Stanton, Epworth at Rehoboth, Calvary at Milford, Centenary at Laurel, Salem at Selbyville, and St. Matthews at Fenwick Island (built during his tenure), Mt. Olivet at Seaford, St. Mark's and Chester Bethel in Wilmington; and in Maryland: Warwick, Union and Concord in Federalsburg from which he retired in 1984. He was Superintendent of the Salisbury District and Conference Council Director from 1974 to 1979. During his active ministry, Rev. Baker served on the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry 12 years (as Chair 4 years), Trustee of Wesley Jr. College, now Wesley College, and on the Commission for Barrett's Chapel from 1998 to 2002 to raise funds for the Permanent Endowment Fund. Rev. Baker worked with three fellow clergymen who found the site of a former scout camp near Centreville, Md. The property was purchased by the Peninsula Conference, cleaned up, repaired, and dedicated as Camp Pecometh, which even today is a retreat site for children and adults. Rev. Baker was a member of Jefferson Lodge in Lewes since 1945, a 32nd degree Mason and served as Grand Chaplain of Delaware for three years. After retirement, Rev. Baker served 13 years at Epworth U. M. Church, Rehoboth Beach, as an assistant, ll of those years with his son, Jonathan. David and Flo have three children by birth and three by marriage, Sheryll and Gary Law of Selbyville, David W. Jr. and Sandra of Seaford, Jonathan and Donna of Rehoboth Beach; they have six grandchildren by birth and five by marriage; blessed with nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. Also survived by brothers, Frank Jr. and his wife Barbara of Dames Quarter, Md., and Terry and his wife Terry Lee of Salisbury, Md. A Celebration of his life and Ministry was held Sunday, Oct. 25, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, with Rev. Dr. Jonathan Baker and Rev. Patricia Loughlin co-officiating. A reception for family and friends followed the service. Interment will be private at Barrett's Chapel Cemetery, Federica. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Barrett's Chapel Permanent Endowment Fund, 6362 Bay Street, Federica, DE 19946; or Epworth United Methodist Church at address noted above or to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Sign guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.