Walter F. Baker, 92 passed away peacefully in his sleep under hospice care on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
Walter was born June 24, 1933 in Detroit to Walter L Baker and Cecelia Baker (Kelly). Walter was the 5th of seven children.
Walter graduated from St. Mary Cathedral High School Lansing in 1951. After graduation, Walter worked as a stock boy in the local grocery business. He continued to work in the food distribution and food marketing business throughout his working career.
Walter was drafted into the army in June 1953 to serve in the Korean War and was ultimately stationed In Fairbanks, Alaska. After being discharged, Walter came back to live and work in Lansing, Michigan.
Walter married Joanne (Wood) Baker on November 17th, 1956 in Stephenson, Michigan. After living in Kalamazoo and Detroit, Walter and Joanne ultimately settled in Westland, Michigan. The couple had five children, Walter Jr.(Butch), Pam, Jan, Brian and Jill.
Walter enjoyed spending the summer months at his summer resort, Lighthouse Village in Homer, Michigan where he eventually became park manager from 1991 to 1998 and a few more times in the early 2000’s. Both Walter and Joanne loved mingling with the residents at Lighthouse Village and continued their summer tradition until she passed in September 2013 after 56 years of marriage to Walter.
Walter is survived by his children, Butch (Michelle), Pam, Jan (Michael), Brian (Carol) and Jill (Dennis). He had 8 grandchildren, Hollie, Chris, Andrew, Kelsey, Kirstin, Ian, Sean and Alana. Walter also had 11 great grandchildren, McKenzie, Ryder, Lily, Nolan, Brayden, Kayson, Nyaomi, Isabella, Keanau, Jackson, and Millie, each of whom he adored deeply.
Walter was preceded in death by his parents, three older sisters, one older brother, two younger sisters, and one great granddaughter.
Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Purse & Son Funeral Home, Tecumseh, Michigan.
Memorial services will then begin at 12:30 p.m. with Dennis Wenzel officiating. Military honors will also be conducted by Tecumseh American Legion Post #34
and Tecumseh VFW Post #4187 funeral honors team.
Following the service food and refreshments will be served at the American Legion Hall in Tecumseh, Michigan. Everyone is invited to remain and partake in food and conversations.
Final resting place will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Lansing, Michigan where Walter’s and Joanne’s cremains will be interred together.
In lieu of flowers we request donations may be made to: skincancer.org