Leon William Baker

Leon W. Baker, 84, of Fort Ogden, Florida passed away Thursday, June 16, 2011 at his residence surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Baker was born September 13, 1926 in Clawson, Michigan to Joseph and Helen (nee Lewandowski) Baker and moved to the Charlotte/Desoto County area 32 years ago from Lake Orion, MI. He was a self-employed contractor, a veteran of WWII serving in the US Coast Guard, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Also, Mr. Baker was one of Father Charlie's Angels at OLPH Retreat Center in Venice, FL and was a long standing Eucharistic Minister at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church where he was also a member. Mr. Baker has fought the good fight, has won the battle, and is now home with his Heavenly Father. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him. The Baker family would like to extend a special thank you to the Tidewell Hospice of Arcadia nurses and staff for the love and care that they have shown to the Baker's at this difficult time. Mr. Baker is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, M. Patricia Baker of Fort Ogden, FL; sons, William and Kathryn Baker of Fort Ogden, FL and Michael Baker of Clarkston, MI; daughters, Carol and Greg Trauthwein of The Woodlands, TX, Patti and Lloyd Carroll of Fort Ogden, FL, Cathleen Baker of Hale, MI, Mary Jo and Robert Carlisle of Pickerington, OH, Karen and Jeff Grater of Gainesville, FL, and Lori and Paul Schelm of Fort Ogden, FL; brothers, Ralph and Phyllis Baker of Fort Ogden, FL and Alfred Baker of Fort Ogden, FL; sister, Blanche and Aaron Starks of Victoria, TX; 26 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. Family will receive friends Monday, June 20, 2011 from 5-8:00PM at Paul Schelm Funeral Home, 12687 SW Kings Highway in Lake Suzy with a wake service to be held at 7:00PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 11:00AM at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 21505 Augusta Avenue in Port Charlotte. Please visit Leon's tribute wall online at www.schelmfh.com to sign and send condolences to the Baker family. Preferred donations may be made in loving memory of Leon to OLPH Retreat Center, 3989 S. Moon Drive, Venice, FL 34292. Arrangements by Paul Schelm Funeral Home in Lake Suzy. Phone (941) 625-3535.