W. Norman Baker, 89, a resident of The Pines at Glenwood Retirement Community in Marietta, died Wednesday, March 30, 2011. He was born May 14, 1921 in Marietta to Walter A. and Velma Stemen Baker. Norm graduated from Marietta High School and attended Marietta College. He had helped in the World War II effort, working at Remington Rand propeller division. He joined the family business, Baker and Baker Jewelers, in Marietta in the early 1940s, and continued in the business as principal owner for over 50 years. He was a Gemologist/Registered Jeweler and was active in the jewelry trade and many professional organizations, having served as president of the board of directors for the Mid-America Jewelers Association of Ohio. He was also an Emeritus member of the American Gem Society. Norm loved Marietta, being involved in many community activities over the years, including Rotary Club of Marietta, where he championed a Rotary Club historical marker project to inform visitors about historic locations in Marietta. He was also a member of the Marietta Reading Club, Marietta College Alumni Association, Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce, Marietta Shrine Club, American Union #1 Masonic Lodge ,and the Washington County Historical Society. His passion was singing. Norm was a member of the Christ United Methodist Church, sang for decades in their choir, and participated in the Handel's Messiah Chorus. Just days before his passing he was singing songs with care givers at The Pines. Norm is survived by a brother, Dan F. (Lois) Baker of Sun City West, AZ, three sons, David (Suzanne) Baker and Joseph (Judy) Baker of Marietta and Donald Baker of Houston, TX, grandchildren, Todd D. Baker, Amy (Gregg) Wentzell, Johanna (Lucas) Baker, Brett (Betsy) Potash, Brie Hughes, Aaron Baker (Teri), Todd A. Baker, Chad Baker and Brett Baker and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was especially grateful for the many care givers, both at The Pines and private duty, who enhanced the quality of his life. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude A. Bigelow Baker on August 22, 2004. They were married on May 18, 1945. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Robert S. Baker. Funeral services will be held at the Marietta Chapel of Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home on Monday, April 4, 2011, at 10:00 a.m, with The Rev. Don Archer officiating. Friends may call on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Mound Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Rotary Club of Marietta, P.O. Box 1138, Christ United Methodist Church, 301 Wooster St., or Marietta Community Foundation, P.O. Box 77, Marietta, OH 45750.
