Obituary of Joseph Charles Baker

Joseph Charles Baker 86, passed away December 20, 2011 in Federal Way. He was born on May 7, 1925 in Lakewood Ohio to Joseph and Anna Baker. He was the middle of three sons, Michael (deceased) and Richard of Ohio. Joe attended John Marshall High School in Cleveland Ohio until he joined the Marine Corps in February 1943 and served until a welding accident caused the loss of sight in one eye and he was honorably discharged in April 1946. He married Bette Ganes (Nicholson) in 1946 and moved to Tacoma. They would have celebrated their 66th Anniversary on February 2nd. The majority of Joe’s career was as a Master Mechanic, some of his favorite stories came from working on the I90 Bridge project as well as the Alaska Pipeline. He was a proud member of Local 302 International Union of Operating Engineers. He loved growing roses and rhododendrons and always had one of the most beautiful gardens around and loved to share with anyone when they visited. He enjoyed helping his children and grandchildren with their remodeling projects and loved working with wood and building tables and stools, anything he could fashion from wood. JoAnne has the original cedar chest that he made for his Mother at the age of 15. Joe and Bette lived in Fall City for 24 years and raised horses and enjoyed many years of riding and showing horses with their son Larry. Bette still has many of the ribbons, trophy’s and a saddle Larry won during his “show days”. Joe was a member of the Puyallup Elks and Summit United Methodist Church. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Michael, son Larry and son-in-law Ray Kastenbaum. He leaves behind his wife Bette of 65 years, Daughters JoAnne Alderman (Don) Laurie Kastenbaum, Daughter -in–law Steffany Baker, Brother Richard, 10 Grandchildren, Jeff Brown, Chris Brown (Jeanna), Shawn Brown (Jessica), Amanda Baker, Ben Kastenbaum, Niki Baker, Lydia Baker, Reina Baker, O’Paulo Baker and Machelle Baker, 6 Great grandchildren Alivia Brown, Christian Brown, Nicholas Brown, Jessica Brown, Jack Brown and Holden Brown, as well as many nieces, nephews and good friends. Joe is loved and will be missed by many. Services will be held at 1 PM Saturday February 4th 2012 at Summit United Methodist Church 5316 104th St. E Tacoma.