Clair Baker

Clair Baker passed away at 2 p.m., on September 2, 2014, surrounded by his family following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Canal Township, Venango County, on June 23, 1936, to the late Richard V. Baker and Daisy Isabelle Hart. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1953, and went to work for Joy Global for 14 years before moving to Charleroi where he took a job with Lee Norse. In 1970, he went back to work for Joy in Meadowlands. Mr. Baker retired from Consol Energy after 22 years of service. From 1957 to 1963, he served with the Pennsylvania National Guard 112th infantry. He was a loving husband and wonderful father, and would do anything to help friends and neighbors. Mr. Baker faithfully attended Abundant Life Baptist Church for the past several years. He married the former Constance Wilkins on January 6, 1956, who survives along with a son, John D. Baker (Pam) of Uniontown and daughter, Julia Baker (Steve Softly) of Langhorne. Also surviving are three brothers, Paul Baker of Culver City, California, and James Baker and Lee Baker, both of Franklin; two sisters, Shirley Alquist of St. Petersburg, Florida and Ruby Cummings of Franklin; and many nieces and nephews. Deceased in addition to his parents, are three brothers, Eugene, Charles and Donald; and two sisters, Esther and Ruth. A gathering of friends will be held on Saturday, September 6th, from 11 a.m. till 1 p.m., the time of service, in Abundant Life Baptist Church, with Rev. George Garancosky officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Abundant Life Building Fund, 269 Cameron Road, Washington, PA 15301, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.