SMYRNA – George H. Baker, 89, of Flat Iron Road, passed away Friday, Nov. 9, 2012 at his home.
He was born April 25, 1923 in Greenville, W.V., a son of George A. and Pearl Swepston Baker and received his education in local schools. On Sept. 13, 1950, George married Gertrude “Gert” Lewis in Sherburne. She predeceased him on May 1, 2006. George was a sheet metal fabricator at Metal Systems in Greene for 26 years until his retirement in 1981. During the 1940s he had worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps. George was an animal lover who enjoyed his dogs and cats, calling them his “grandchildren.” He bred and sold Boston Terriers for many years. He also like to garden, especially growing garlic.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Smyrna.
Surviving are his son, Donald of Smyrna; a sister, Kathleen Green of Hastings, Fla.; brother, Edwin Baker of Fontana, Calif.; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Also surviving is his special friend and neighbor Roger R. Sines. George was predeceased by two sisters, Magtalene Peckham and Margaret Tyree; and three brothers, Ralph C., Lansing and John Baker.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday from the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne, followed by interment in the West Hill Cemetery, Sherburne.
Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m.
Contributions in his memory may be made to Hospice of Chenango County; the First United Methodist Church, Smyrna; or to the Chenango County SPCA.
To send a condolence or sign the Book of Memories online go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com.