Lionel Baker

Midland, MD

Lionel Francis Baker, 71, of Paradise Street, Midland died Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center, Cumberland. Born on March 16, 1940 in Frostburg he was the son of the late, Lionel D. Baker and Catherine (O'Brien) Baker.

Lionel was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Midland where he was a lecturn and part of the parish council for many years.  Lionel was a recipient of the Catholic Medal of Honor for his service to the church.  He was also a member of Knights of Columbus #1442, Midland Sportsmen's Club, Allegany County Election Board, a life member of Midland Volunteer Fire Department and the Midland Town Treasurer for over fourty years.

Lionel graduated from Valley High School and earned a Masters Degree from Frostburg State University. He taught at Valley and Westmar High School for 43 years. During his time teaching he was active in many extra-curriculur activities for many years, including yearbook advisor and teacher sponsor of the annual end-of-the-year Kennywood trip.  He is best remembered for his enthusiam as a head football and wrestling  coach.  After his retirement he was still tutoring students.

In addition to all of Lionel's activities he was a local tax preparer, a bingo caller and enjoyed playing cards with a close group of fellow teachers. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and grandchildren, and his dog Tootsie.

He is survived by his wife Eileen (Coulehan) Baker; four sons, Douglas Baker and wife Julie of Midland, Lionel Baker and wife Stacey of Rawlings, Ted Baker and wife Julie of Midland and Jeffrey Baker and wife Lyndsey also of Midland.; eleven grandchildren, Taylor, Carlin, Emma, Teddy, Lyle, Anne, Connor, Kate, Chris, Ellie and Charlie; one sister, Julie Brubaker of Midland; one brother Jack Baker and wife Shirley of Midland; two brothers-in-law, Tommy and Rip Coulehan and wife Shawn and numerous nieces and nephews including one special nephew, John Stewart.

Family and Friends will be received at the Eichhorn-McKenzie Funeral Home P.A. ( www.eichhornmckenzie.com ), Midland  on Thursday, May 12, 2011 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. The Midland Volunteer Fire Company will hold a memorial service at 6:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, May 13, 2011 at 10:00 AM at St. Josephs Catholic Church, Midland with Father James Hannon, celebrant. Family and friends will be received at the church from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM that day. Interment will be held at St. Josephs Catholic Cemetery, Midland and music will be accorded by Bill Burnwell and Vic Baker.

The family request that memorial contributions be made to the Midland Vol. Fire Company Building Fund at PO Box 53, Midland, MD 21542 or the Georges Creek Ambulance Service at PO Box 155, Lonaconing, MD 21539.

Pallbearers will be Ed Campbell, John Cullen, Rip Coulehan, Gary Marsh, Leonard Hughes and Wayne Nicol