Dean P. Baker

Dean P. Baker, 86, Akron, passed at 3:14 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, at his residence.

He was born on March 2, 1937, in Canton, S.D., to the late Edgar Paul and Annabelle Marie (Ellis) Baker. He married on June 6, 1959, in Clarion, Iowa, to Suzanne Turk; she survives. They moved to Akron from Clarion, Iowa, in 1964.

He retired in 1999 as president of Pike Lumber Company of Akron, but he would tell you he was a forester from Iowa State University. He was a longtime member of the Akron United Methodist Church, where he served numerous roles. He also was an active member in the Akron Lions Club and various industry associations, which included the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association and the Indiana Forest and Woodland Owners’ Association.

He is survived by his wife: Suzanne Baker, Akron; son: Chris (Darleen) Baker, Rochester; daughter: Sarah (Richard) Solano, Akron; grandchildren: Nathan Baker, Daniel (Sara) Solano, Andrea Baker, Adam (Celia) Solano, and Thomas Solano; and sister: Lois Baker, Edina, Minn.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may gather at 10 a.m. for a memorial service that will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Akron United Methodist Church, 121 N. Mishawaka St., Akron, with Pastor David Eaton officiating.

Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Beaver Dam Community Church/Wheels on Fire to assist the community members who are fighting cancer or to the Akron United Methodist Church Endowment Fund.

Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, is handling arrangements.