Francis J. Baker Jr.'s Obituary
Francis J. (Mickey) Baker, Jr., born in Wilmington, DE, on October 25, 1937, passed away on September 16, 2024. He was born to the late Francis J. Baker, Sr., and Lora L. (Eaton) Baker. He was the oldest of three brothers: Bill, Dick, and Tom.
Mickey went to Brown Vocational High School where he graduated in 1955 with a diploma in radio and TV Repair. Two weeks after completing High School and receiving his diploma, Mickey enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. This is where he spent 4 years on active duty and another 4 years in reserve at his home base of Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. During his enlistment, he achieved the rank of Sergeant.
Mickey married the love of his life, Frances M. Nowak, three years into his service in the military. After marrying, they spent a year and a half at Camp LeJeune until his discharge on July 19, 1959. Mickey and Franny lived a happy marriage of 61 years before her passing on August 17, 2019.
Following the military, Mickey joined DuPont working in the marketing department in Textile Fibers. He took early retirement in 1992 after 33 years of dedicated service and hard work. After retiring in Sussex County, DE, Mickey thoroughly enjoyed being captain of his pontoon boat and booze cruising around Rehoboth Bay with his wife Franny, and many of his friends and family members.
Mickey was an active member of the American Legion, Post 28, where he rarely missed the shuffleboard Wednesday tournaments. Red wearing Friday was always on his weekly agenda, where he enjoyed being with his buddies at American Vets – Post 2.
Mickey is preceded in death by his wife Franny, and brother Dick. He is survived by two children: son Keith Baker (Margie) of Wilmington, DE; and daughter Karla Engle (Donald) of Rehoboth Beach, DE; two grandchildren: Andrew Baker (Dianna) of Wilmington, DE, and Brandon Baker (Allison) of Wilmington, DE; two brothers: Bill Baker (Pat)of Millsboro, DE, and Tom Baker (Karen) of Rehoboth Beach, DE; along with numerous nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Albert.
Mickey thoroughly enjoyed his family and grandchildren. He was truly a family man and cherished any time spent with them. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His smile will always remain in our hearts.
A Chapel Committal Service with military honors will be held on Wednesday September 25, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Mickey's memory to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford DE 19963.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE HAVE ALL ARRANGEMENTS DELIVERED TO PARSELL FUNERAL HOMES, LEWES, DE ON TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 BY 3:00 PM.
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