Joseph Hutchison Baker Sr.'s Obituary
Joseph Hutchison Baker, 92, of The Moorings Senior Living Community, Lewes, Delaware passed away peacefully March 21, 2023. He was born and raised in Clarksville, TN, son of the late John and Callie Baker.
Mr. Baker graduated from Clarksville High School, receiving an athletic letter in football and a membership in the National Athletic Scholarship Society. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 1954 and was a member of the Tau Beta Pi honorary fraternity. As a registered Professional Engineer, he worked for the DuPont Corporation for thirty years before retiring in 1991. Mr. Baker worked at many different DuPont plant sites before retiring from the Seaford, Delaware DuPont fibers production facility. He was thought of by many as a mechanical wizard, able to fabricate or repair about anything. Mr. Baker enjoyed sports cars and woodworking projects. He loved the design of a project as much as the building of it. His family and friends will benefit from the products of his woodshop for many years to come. Mr. Baker cherished the time he spent with his children and grandchildren as well as congenial games of dominos with friends. He and his wife, Eva F. "Fran" Baker were long time members of Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes, where Mr. Baker held several church leadership positions. Mr. Baker believed in service to others. He and Fran delivered meals to those in need via the Lewes Meals on Wheels program for 25 years. He and Fran were the first residents to move into what, at the time was Cadbury at Lewes Retirement Community, and is now The Moorings. Mr. Baker was even involved in the planning of the community. They made many wonderful friends there and loved their apartment and the amenities available.
Mr. Baker is survived by his wife, Eva F. "Fran" Baker also of The Moorings, Lewes. He was predeceased by his first wife, Irma Dowlen Baker with whom survive four children and nine grandchildren. Their children are Betsy Jenkins and Brenda McCombie (Paul) of Wilmington, NC, Joseph H. Baker, Jr. (Stacy) of Richmond, VA, and Claire King (Mark) of Angier, NC. Mr. Baker was also predeceased by his three siblings: John B Baker, James Baker, and Martha Jane Brackett. Mr. Baker was the fourth child of John Ballon Baker (Clarksville, TN) and Callie Hutchison Baker (Sango, TN). Mr. Baker also shared in the lives of Fran’s two children:James Baker and Vicki Spence, five grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held 11:00 AM, April 8, 2023, at The Moorings at Lewes, 17028 Cadbury Circle, Lewes, DE.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS TO THE MOORINGS AT LEWES.
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