Obituary of Bernard H. Baker

Warrensburg: Bernard H. Baker Sr., 83, of Schroon River Road, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 22, 2006, in the same home he was born in, surrounded by his loving family. Born March 5, 1922 in Warrensburg, he was the son of the late Richard and Nellie (Bolton) Baker. Bernie was a lifelong resident of the area. In his youth he attended a one room school house before graduating from Warrensburg High School. He worked with his father and brother’s with the family business before enlisting in the US Army in 1944. He saw combat at the Battle of the Bulge in the European Theater of Operations and was part of the unit that transported the Lippizan Stallions to Switzerland. Following his honorable discharge, Bernie returned to Warrensburg to join his father and brothers at Richard Baker & Sons Lumber on the Schroon River Rd. The Mill has been in operation since 1937. Bernie was an active member of the Haskell Bros. Post 4821 VFW in Warrensburg, as well as memberships with the Adirondack Lumbermen’s Association and the North Eastern Lumbermen’s Association. Raising Hereford’s on his farm was his most passionate pastime. His farm was at one time one of the largest Hereford farms in Warren County. Besides his parents, his brother, Francis Baker also predeceased him. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Edith “Edie” (Hamblin) Baker of Warrensburg; His children, Bernie H. Baker Jr. of Warrensburg, Burton Karson and his wife, Kerry of Crown Point, Kathy Rowe and her husband, Howdy of Warrensburg; his brother, Leonard Baker and his wife, Ruth of Warrensburg; his sister, Betty Evans of Warrensburg; eight grandchildren, Brandi Baker, Heather Laug, Michael Rowe, Jordin Rowe, Burt Karson Jr. ,Byron Karson, Tucker Karson and Elizabeth Karson; four great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call on Bernie’s family from 2-4 and 7-9 pm Thursday at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. Members of the VFW will gather for a service at 7 pm during the visitation. Funeral services will be conducted 11 am Friday at the funeral home with James A. Baker Sr. officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in Warrensburg Cemetery. Visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guestbook, condolences and directions.