Vernon Baker, 87

SMYRNA - Vernon Baker, of Smyrna, formerly of Rock Hall, Md., died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007, in his home. He was 87.

Mr. Baker was born on Oct. 3, 1920, in Rock Hall, the youngest of 16 children born to the late James and Suzi Thomas Baker.

He was an U.S. Army SSGT during World War II serving in Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns.

Mr. Baker was a career truck driver, doing long distance hauling, and later owned and operated Service Fuel Co. in Rock Hall for many years, retiring in the early 1990s.

Mr. Baker was a life member of Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Co., where he had served as president and assistant chief.

He enjoyed crabbing, gardening and reading.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, of 50 years, Daisy Conner Baker in 1993.

He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Helen Campbell Farrilli Baker, of Smyrna; two children, Ellen Townsend and her husband Marion Sr. and Bob Baker and his wife Sherri, all of Chestertown, Md.; a brother, James Baker of Dover; three grandchildren, Debi Pinder and her husband Jeff of Centreville, Md., the Rev. Rob Townsend and his wife Elizabeth of Millsboro, and B.J. Baker of Tomball, Texas; one brother-in-law, Gene Campbell of New Castle; and five sisters-in-law, Alice Washlock of Mayfield Heights, Ohio, Cathy Rugola of Republic, Pa., Geraldine Harkness of Cheswold, Irene Slawter of Boothwyn, Pa., and Ina Sales of Cheswold.

Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday in Rock Hall Seventh-day Adventist Church, 21366 Sharp St., Rock Hall, and from 10-11 a.m. Thursday where funeral services will follow.

Burial will be held in Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Rock Hall.

Memorials may be offered to Delaware Hospice, 911 South Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.

Arrangements by Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech, Galena.