Richard Dale Baker

Richard Dale Baker, 88, of Saegertown, passed away Saturday, October 5, 2019, at Crawford County Care Center.

Richard was born in Dicksonburg, on March 29, 1931, a son of the late Gerald and Jeanette (Shellito) Baker.

On November 6, 1950 Richard married Pauline Knierman; she survives.

He was a member of St. Bernadette's Roman Catholic Church, Saegertown, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister.

Following his 1949 graduation from Linesville High School, Richard served in the US Air Force during the Korean War, from 1949-1951 where he attained the rank of Sergeant. Upon his return home he went on to further his education and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Edinboro University in 1956, his Master's Degree in Guidance Counseling in 1968 and his Administration Certification from Westminster College in 1977. He began his 42 year career with Penncrest School District as an Art Teacher before moving on to Guidance Counselor, Assistant Principal of Saegertown High School, Principal of Saegertown Middle School and Administrator at Penncrest Central Office. Additionally, he coached football, basketball and was Games Manager. He also served as Saegertown High School Yearbook Advisor for 36 years. Richard was a member of NEA (National Education Association), President of PSEA (Pennsylvania School Education Association), PSER (Pennsylvania School Employees Retirees), NASSP (National Association of Secondary Schools Principals), and Phi Sigma Pi Fraternity. Richard had a passion for flying airplanes. As a private pilot, he was a member of EEA (Experimental Aircraft Association), Meadville #1194, and for many years participated in the Young Eagles Program, which instilled the love of flying to many young people. He also taught Aviation Science at the high school level.

Along with his wife, Pauline, Richard traveled all 50 of the United States, traveled abroad to exotic lands, grew marvelous vegetable gardens, bicycled hundreds of miles and went hiking through many forests. He will be remembered as a remarkable man and will be deeply missed by many.

In addition to his wife, Pauline, of 68 years, Richard is survived by three children Jo Anne Brown and her husband Jeff, Robert Baker and his wife Karen, Brenda Pratt and her husband Tony; five grandchildren Ben Brown, Charles, Andrew and Daniel Baker, Ashley Baker Chapman; ten great grandchildren Luke, James, Peter, Sam, John, Hattie, Claire, and Lawrence Baker, Liam and Kate Chapman. He is further survived by a sister Marlene Patterson, many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by a son, Richard II, two granddaughters Becky and Carolyn Brown, three brothers David, Donald, Tom and a sister Dorothy.

Family and friends are invited to call from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 330 BROAD STREET, SAEGERTOWN, where a Scripture Service will be held at 6 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Wednesday, at St. Bernadette's Roman Catholic Church, Renner Ave., Saegertown with Fr. Mark Nowak, Pastor, officiating.

Richard will be laid to rest in St. Philip Cemetery, Linesville, with Full Military Honors by VFW Post #2006.

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