Lifelong Poughquag resident, Henry Baker joined the Lord on Sunday morning, April 24, 2022. He joins his wife of 65 years, Jean Baker, who joined the Lord in January 2019.
Henry was born August 17, 1932 in Holmes, NY to parents Augustus Baker and Ella Mae (Dorn) Baker He is predeceased by his older sister Beatrice Fisher; survived by his younger sister Elizabeth Baker and her wife Arden Tucker.
Henry met the love of his life at a young age and married, Jean Louise Beasimer, on September 12, 1953. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage together. Henry and Jean were known for taking spontaneous trips to Maine, especially in bad weather. They took pride in helping others and were active in the Grange and Veteran organizations.
Henry is survived by his three children Henry Augustus Baker & Meghann Rivera, Robert Baker & Susan Williams, and Addie Ketchum & Joe Ketchum; five grandchildren Stephen Baker & Sarah (Hein) Baker, Jessica (Baker) Martin & Jake Martin, Emily Ketchum, Hannah Ketchum, and Bennett Ketchum; three great-grandchildren Niklaus, Scarlett-Louise, and Ira; and many nieces and nephews.
Henry proudly served in the Army; 7th Army Signal Corp as a Pole Linesman 1954-1956. He was stationed in Occupied Germany and discharged as an SP3. Upon his return to the States Henry resumed working as a mason. He created hundreds of fireplaces throughout Dutchess County. Throughout his life Henry worked in the construction industry as a mason, truck driver, big equipment operator, and excavator.
Henry enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends and family. He took these hobbies seriously and taught gun safety and fishing techniques to his children, especially his son Henry Augustus. He was always happy to talk about being the head mechanic and pit crew for his son, Robert’s, dirt racing years. Henry loved talking about music with his daughter, Addie. Being the son and grandson of farmers, Henry enjoyed working outside planting flowers, mowing the lawn, and tending to the garden.
The family would like to thank the Vets to Vets Program and Hudson Valley Honor Flight for their support and love they gave to our father in the last years of his life.
Calling hours and services will be Saturday, April 30, 2022, 10:00 am to noon, at Horn & Thomes, Inc. Funeral Home, 83 East Main Street, Pawling, NY with burial immediately following at Hopewell Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to either:
- Vets to Vets Program
515 West Haight Ave.
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
- Hudson Valley Honor Flight
P.O. Box 375
Walden, NY 12586
info@hvhonorflight.com or visit www.hvhonorflight.com
