John "Jack" S. Baker

John S. “Jack” Baker, 89, of Martinsburg, formerly of Salemville RD, passed away on March 7, 2017 at home. Born on August 18, 1927 in Salemville, the son of Berger and Eliza (Hoover) Baker. On June 4, 1949, he married Marianna (Stinnette) in Denver, Colorado. She preceded him in death on January 17, 2012. In lieu of Military Service, Jack served with the Seagoing Cowboys caring for and transporting animals to war-torn Poland. He attended Juniata, McPherson, and Penn State Colleges, obtaining a Masters in Music, Bachelors in Elementary Education, and was an Ordained Minister. Jack was employed by the Southern Huntingdon School District as a High School Music Teacher and later as an Elementary Teacher until retiring in 1982. He was a member of the New Enterprise Church of the Brethren where he directed the choir for over 50 years as well the bell choir for some time. Jack was Supervisor of the Middle Pennsylvania District of Brethren Disaster Ministries for ten years. He enjoyed stained glass, airplanes, music, building/woodworking, and in recent years spearheaded the restoration of two local cemeteries that had fallen into disrepair. Surviving is daughter Janelle Helsel (Merle) of Salemville; son Larry Baker (Lynda) of Washington, PA; grandson Lance Baker (Ruth); as well as three great-grandsons. Friends will be received on Saturday, March 11, 2017 from 2:00PM-4:00PM and 6:00PM-8:00PM at the Weaver Funeral Home in Woodbury. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made to Brethren Disaster Ministries, Middle PA District; 1113 Mount Vernon Ave. Huntingdon, PA 16652.  All donations in John’s memory will be used for volunteers working on denominational disaster work sites and local projects. Arrangements by Weaver Funeral Home, LLC; Woodbury.

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