Joseph A. 'Joe' Baker, 72

RIDGELY, Md. - Joseph A. "Joe" Baker of Ridgely died Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008, in his son's home in Ridgely. He was 72.

He was born Oct. 31, 1935, in Denton, to the late Richard and Virgie (Cooper) Baker.

Mr. Baker, a lifelong Ridgely resident, attended Caroline High School in Denton.

He was a truck driver most of his life, retiring from Green Spring Milk Co. in 1998.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Betty A. (Pollard) Baker, on May 29, 1999.

Mr. Baker is survived by three sons, Donald Baker Sr. and his wife Connie of Ridgely, Ronald Baker Sr. and his companion Sylvia Wood of Greensboro and Robert Baker Sr. and his wife Cathy of Preston; a brother, James Baker of Idaho; five grandsons, Donald Baker Jr., Richard Baker, Ronald Baker Jr., Kevin Baker and Robbie Baker; and six great-grandchildren.

Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday in Fleegle and Helfenbein Funeral Home, Greensboro, where friends may call one hour prior.

Burial will be in Ridgely Cemetery.

Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Ridgely Volunteer Fire Co., P.O. Box 425, Ridgely, MD 21660.