IN MEMORIAM

Oneontan Harvey B. Baker, 86;

Veteran, Worcester Fire Chief

ONEONTA – Harvey B. Baker, 86, retired D&H conductor and former Worcester fire chief, passed away Jan. 16, 2017, at his winter home in Florida with his family by his side.

He was born on April 9, 1931, in Oneonta, to the late Cecil Baker and Leona Carpenter.  Harvey met his surviving wife Edna Schambers in 1948 and they married on Nov. 7, 1951.  Harvey and Edna were married for 65 years.

They have five sons, David and his wife Jean, Roger and Linda, Jim and Lori, Mike and Laurie and Tim Baker.  Harvey is survived by 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  Also, a sister Phyllis Sutherlin, brother Robert and his wife Ruth, a sister June and five half brothers and sisters.

Harvey served in the Korean War in 1950-54 with the 82nd Airborne.  He was filmed parachuting out of planes in the 1952 movie, “Jumping Jacks”, starring Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin.

Harvey took to the rails and became a conductor for the D&H out of Oneonta, retiring after 34 years.  Outside of work, Harvey served as a chief for the East Worcester Fire Department, where he volunteered for 60 years.  He served on the Worcester Town Board and as president of the E.W. Fish & Game Club, and member of the VFW and Worcester United Methodist Church.

A memorial service will be next summer at the United Methodist Church in Worcester, with Pastor Dan Martin officiating.   Date will be released at a later time. There will be a memorial get together after the service at the East Worcester Fire Dept.

To send condolences please visit www.ottmanfuneralhome.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ottman Funeral Home, Cherry Valley, NY