Franklin L. (Louie) Baker

Franklin L. (Louie) Baker, Sr. of Keating Summit, PA, born November 22, 1941, was delivered into the hands of our Lord on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh with his family by his side.

He was born in Marlinton, W. Va., the son of the late Jesse and Letta (Gay) Baker. 

 Vietnam War Veteran

Louie was a Vietnam Era Veteran serving with U.S. Army as a Radar Crewman at Dyess AFB, Texas and Fort Gordon, Georgia from 1964 to 1966, honorably discharged as a Specialist Fourth Class.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Wilber “Beanie” Baker of Keating Summit, sisters Betty Allman and Bonnie Riffle, and nephew Roy Riffle, all of Emporium.

On February 1st, 1992, in Coudersport, Louie married Janice (Wendling) Baker, who survives. He is also survived by one aunt, Pauline Holsinger, formerly of Emporium; three sisters, Martha “Kay” (Don) Sherry of Keating Summit, Linda Baker of Evans City, Pa. and Nancy (Chuck) Umbenhauer of Emporium; and one brother, James “Jim” (Sylvia) Baker, also of Emporium.

He is also survived by: children Franklin L. (Judai) Baker, Jr. of Anchorage, Alaska, Bonnie (William) Miller of Coudersport, Joseph (Tammy) Baker of Ridgway, Lori Hansen of Keating Summit, and Matthew (Keli) Hansen of Colorado Springs, Colo.; nine grandchildren; 

and three great-grandchildren.

Besides his time in the Army, Louie worked many jobs from the railroad to logging but retired in 2003 after 37 years of services to the former Ball-Foster Glass Container in Port Allegany.

Louie was an avid hunter and fisherman, whether it was trips to the pond with his grandchildren or his much-loved Alaskan hunting, fishing, and gold mining adventures with his son.

He also enjoyed reading his western novels, Friday fish fries, breakfast with his buddies at the Buttonwood and Daily Bread, and walks with his fur-buddy Lucky. He enjoyed spending his time on Sunday, after church, watching NASCAR races, spending time with family and walking through the woods. His greatest joy of all was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their sporting and life events.

He was a member of the Bald Eagle Chapter of the Gold Prospectors Association of America, Enchanted Mountain Treasure Hunters and Dirt Digging PA,

 finding many treasures long lost with time.

He was a member of The American Legion and the National Rifle Association.

Louie found Jesus later in life and was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Emporium and was actively involved with Esther’s Ministry and the Food for the Soul Program.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Emporium on Monday, April 23, with greeting and gathering beginning at 4 pm and services with military honors

 beginning at 5 pm.

All flowers are graciously declined but memorial donations can be made to the Second Harvest Food Bank c/o Emporium First United Methodist Church, the Potter County Animal Assistance Project or the American Legion.