Eugene 'Gene' C. Baker
SMYRNA - Eugene "Gene" C. Baker, passed away Tuesday, July 25th, 2023 with his wife Kathy by his side.
Gene was born in Philadelphia, PA on September 12th, 1940. Gene graduated from West Catholic High School, Class of 1958. Gene's professional career in telecommunications spanned 40 years with Western Electric, AT&T, and Lucent Technologies. Gene retired as a Warranty Equipment Manager serving various telecommunication companies.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1963 during the Vietnam War. He received an Honorable discharge in 1965 and was assigned to standby duty in the Army Reserve USAR Control Group USAAC, St. Louis, Missouri. He received an Honorable discharge from the Army Reserve on September 30th, 1969.
Gene and his wife Kathy made their permanent home in Smyrna, moving back to Delaware after 21 years in York County, PA. Gene was a VFW life member and a member of the Lucent Retirees Organization. After retirement, Gene started a handyman business in York County, PA, helping seniors with small projects. They liked his work and enjoyed his friendship.
He was Pop-Pop to his grandchildren, always making time for them. Gene always said grandparents are allowed to spoil their grandchildren, and he loved doing just that.
Gene was a parishioner of Holy Cross Catholic Church, Dover, DE.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Emma (Finigan) Baker; brother, George; sister, Theresa; and son, Eugene, Jr.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Kathy (Straughn); daughter, Renee Ballard and her husband Scott; grandchildren, Eric and Jill Ballard; brothers, Earl and John (Tom); brothers-in-law, Harvey Straughn (Barbara), Arthur Straughn (Barbara); sisters-in-law, Dorothy Straughn and Wanda Straughn; along with numerous nephews, nieces and friends.
Per Gene's wishes, there will be no services.
To honor his memory, the family suggests donations to your local VFW Post, or to the Special Olympics in your area.