Ray Edward Baker

Ray Edward Baker, 97, of Massillon passed away on Friday, December 16, 2022. He was born on August 10, 1925 in Cadiz, OH to the late Arthur and Erma (Gutshall) Baker.

He graduated from Freeport HS in 1943 where he played on the basketball team. After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy, and with training in Chicago, became a Signalman 2nd Class and served on a ship all around the Pacific Theater during WWII. He worked for Ohio Edison, retiring as Senior Distribution Estimator in 1989 with 35 years of service. Ray was a past Commander and dedicated member of American Legion Post 221 for 56 years. Throughout his life he enjoyed bowling and golf, playing in many leagues. He coached Little League baseball and was an avid fan of all Ohio sports teams. Ray was a kind, caring person, always doing the right thing. Loved and respected, he was a role model for all.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters Ruth (Gaston) and Edith (Passmore), brother William Sherman Baker, and his loving wife of 47 years Ardith.

He is survived by and a loving father to: Donald (Barbara) Baker of Dunnellon, FL, Kathy (Joe Mills) Coates of Canton, OH, caregiver Christine Dye of Canton, OH, Barbara Gudaitis of Huron, OH, Deborah Douthit of Castalia, OH and James Gudaitis of Pensacola, FL. Loving grandfather to: Micheal and Jeffrey (Alyssa) Baker of Toledo, OH, Aaron Coates of Canton, OH, Stacy (Randy) Vondrak of Canton, OH, Lisa (White) Goff of Vermillion, OH, and Emily Gudaitis of Canton, OH and loving great-grandfather to 7 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Aultman and staff at the Compassionate Care Center for their care and support through these difficult times.

Calling hours will be held at the Paquelet Funeral Home, 1100 Wales Rd NE, Massillon, OH, on Thursday, December 22, 2022 from 2pm to 4pm with funeral service to follow at 4pm. Ray will be laid to eternal rest at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, OH on Monday, December 26, 2022 at 10:30am.

Memorial donations can be made to the Massillon American Legion Post 221.