John C Baker

Corky was the youngest of four. His siblings were all born in coal mining villages in West Virginia.  Donald Matthew (born in Beckley June 7, 1925); Mary Beth (born in Rushrun June 23, 1929); and Patricia Louise (born in Williamson, August 15, 1931). His mother, “Tresie” as her family called her, was quite disenchanted with the schools in West Virginia. She abhorred the thought of her children growing up in mining camps. The filth and dirt, the danger to her kids and her husband in the mines were too much. Pregnant with Corky, she moved with her children to Monroe, Michigan where Corky was born in his Grandmother’s house. Corky graduated from Monroe High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in educational art from Michigan State Normal College in Ypsilanti. Upon graduation, he entered the Army and served a sixteen-month tour of duty in Korea. Corky was quite proud of his service to his country. Following his discharge from the Army, he returned to his studies earning a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University and specializing in teaching the hearing impaired. Corky enjoyed a long career helping, mentoring and teaching the deaf in his beloved State of California. When Corky retired, he moved back to Michigan to be with his sister Mary Beth and brother-in-law Jim Webster.  Living together in the Henry Ford Village was both a joy and a comfort.  It also allowed them all to be around the many nieces and nephews who visited often. All this, despite his dislike for Michigan weather. Corky derived a great deal of joy from painting. His apartment was adorned with artwork created over many years. While he was still able, Corky enjoyed hosting movie night at the Henry Ford Village. He was also quite fond of coordinating birthday celebrations for his friends and neighbors. Managing the pool and monitoring its condition was also a passion. Consistently jovial, always kind, witty and cheerful, Corky was loved by all. He was preceded in death by his brother and two sisters and leaves behind a long list of nieces and nephews who all love him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred in Corky's memory to Michigan School of Deaf  https://www.michiganschoolforthedeaf.org/   Scroll to bottom of the page and click on Credit Card Payments.  For the Description of Payment field type in: Donation in memory of John C Baker.  Leave the Student Name, if Applicable field blank.  Alternatively, donations can be mailed to:

Michigan School for the Deaf

1235 W. Court Street Flint, MI 48503

Memorial Mass 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 2nd at Allegria Village Chapel, 15101 Ford Rd. Dearborn, MI. 48126. Gathering from 9:30 a.m. at the Chapel.  Inurnment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Monroe, MI.