John Baker

John H. Baker, 88, of Shippensburg, died on the morning of Friday, May 11, 2012, at the Martinsburg V.A. Hospital in Martinsburg, WV.

He was born on November 14, 1923, in Mainsville, a son of the late John W. and Laura S. Helm Baker.

John was a 1942 graduate of the Shippensburg Area High School and shortly thereafter was inducted into the U.S. Army on February 6, 1943. While overseas, John was wounded in action and also captured by enemy forces. He was honorably discharged on December 5, 1945, consequently, as a former P.O.W. and a Purple Heart recipient.

Upon his honorable discharge, John began to work at the Letterkenny Army Depot, where he was employed as a Secretary. In his leisure time, John enjoyed reading and hunting. He was a life member of the Durff-Kuhn V.F.W. Post #6168 and the Oscar M. Hykes American Legion Post #223, both of Shippensburg.

John is survived by a brother, Walter B. (Ruth) Baker of Mainsville; a sister, Bessie F. (Harold) Hamilton of Shippensburg; seven nephews; and five nieces. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Clarence B. Baker.

A graveside funeral service, with military honors conducted by the Shippensburg Area Veterans Council, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 in the Spring Hill Cemetery, Shippensburg. The Rev. Earl F. Stovall will officiate.