Charles P. "Charlie" Baker

Charles P. "Charlie" Baker, 87, of Battle Creek went to be with his Lord on Wednesday morning, May 29, 2013. He was born in Battle Creek on May 17, 1926 the loving son of C. Philip and Ilene (Nelson) Baker.

Charlie graduated from Battle Creek Central High School with the Class of 1944, and then served his country as a member of the United States Navy. He then attended Albion College and graduated from the University of Michigan and attained a graduate degree from the American Institute of Banking. Charlie was employed by the State of Michigan and then retired in 1985 after more than 34 years as Vice-President of Michigan National Bank.

Charlie belonged to the Local 594 Musicians Union and played for more than 40 years in the Lew Boyd Orchestra. He was a longtime member of the Battle Creek Exchange Club and their band. Charlie attended Central Christian Church for the past eight years and also had attended the First Congregational Church where he sang in the choir for many years. He was active with the United Way, Red Cross and Junior Achievement over the years.

Charlie married Blanche Baker on June 20, 1953; she sadly preceded him in death in 2001. He then married Jacqueline "Jackie" Stuck on May 19, 2005; she survives. He is also survived by his son, Nelson "Chuck" (Linda) Baker of Grand Rapids; his daughter, Barb (Tom) Hibiske of Battle Creek; four grandchildren, Cameron Hibiske, Stacy Hibiske, Erick Baker and Ryan Baker; a great-granddaughter, Isabelle Baker, and step-children, Linda Oge, Cheryl (Robert) Hinds, David (Gina) Green and Susan (Mike) Schoonmaker.

The family will receive friends 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, June 2, 2013 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. Funeral services to celebrate Charlie's life will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 3, 2013 at the Central Christian Church, 713 Riverside Drive, Battle Creek. Entombment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials directed to the Battle Creek Exchange Club or Central Christian Church, would be appreciated.