It is with a heavy heart and great sorrow we announce the passing of Dr. Dale L. Baker: loving brother, devoted husband, amazing father, faithful friend, and inspiring teacher. Born Sept 1, 1934 in Wheeling, WV, he was the last of six children. His mother, Elizabeth, instilled in him a strong faith in God and a tireless work ethic. Once recalling, no matter how dire the situation, she always had an extra nickel for he and his sister, Shirley, to go to the theater on Saturday afternoons. I believe that began his life-long love of cowboy movies.

Dr. Baker excelled in learning. He was in the Who's Who of high school students. In 1952- at the age of 18- he was stricken with polio. Paralyzed and in an iron lung, the doctors said he would never walk again. Clearly, they did not know Dale. He was a fighter. After a year of recovery, he began his freshman year at West Liberty University. Thanks to the help of the March of Dimes, he was able to follow his dreams and work his way through college.

Once entrenched in academia, he went full bore! Unsatisfied with Greek life, he and a friend founded Beta Gamma in 1957. Their motto was, "Stay true to yourself, be loyal to your brothers, and lead a life of honor." In 1966, it evolved into a national chapter of Theta Xi and has thrived to this day. Dale graduated in 1957 as WLU Class President.  In 2024, Dr. Baker earned a nomination for induction into West Liberty's Alumni Wall of Honor.

His teaching career began in Columbus, Ohio and that is where he met a young woman named Rosemary Crowley. It was in 1967, while teaching at Eastgate, that they began their courtship. Dad eventually transferred to Douglas (inner city) where he taught sixth grade and coached basketball. "Mr. Baker" was beloved by his students. That is also how I got my middle name. Dale and Rory were married on July 29, 1967 in the Summer of Love.

With a young bride by his side, Dale had his sights set on bigger things: like working in administration and starting a family. In 1969, Dale got a Master's degree from THE Ohio State University. His son, Todd Douglas Baker, was born on April 4 ^th .  Three years later, Dale earned his PhD in Education from OSU. His daughter, Leigh Ann Baker, arrived on March 1st, 1972.  Dr. Baker's vast list of professional accomplishments include: Director of Columbus City Schools, Assistant Superintendent for the West Shore School District and Superintendent for Shippensburg Public School District just to name a few.

Dr. Baker culminated his career as a hand-picked member of PA Governor Casey's staff. Dale was selected to create the first charter school program. Thanks to his drive, devotion, and dedication to making children's lives better, Dr. Baker procured a three-million-dollar grant for the state's project. Through Dale's diligent efforts, 97 new charter schools were created. My father left an indelible mark on countless lives. His contribution to making the world a better place through honesty, decency, and respect for others is unquestionable. His never-ending kindness and unlimited support is the legacy he leaves behind. We thank him for the laughter, the love, his hugs and kisses, the advice, and the countless memories. Dale Baker lived a long, accomplished and fulfilling life. We will miss him forever.

Rory Baker, his faithful and loving wife of 58 years, was by Dale's side to the end. As were his children, Todd Baker and Leigh Work. Leigh's husband of 20 amazing years, Chet, was home in Montana taking care of Dale's pride and joy. The apple of his eyes… his grandkids; Chloe, Madison, and grandson, Charlie. He LOVED them, and they LOVED him! In his astounding 90-year romp through life, Dad said he would always be an angel on our shoulders to help guide us through good times and bad. I am counting on that.

Dale was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister Betty and brothers Raymond, Bob, and Jack. Shirley is his only surviving sibling.

Dale passed on her 93 ^rd birthday. While he will be missed by his loved ones forever, his spirit will always be with us in our hearts. What a wonderful world it has been to have a man like this in our lives. Thank you, Lord.

A celebration of Dr. Dale Baker's life will be held at the Rock of Ages Lutheran Church in Wildwood, Florida on Saturday August 9 ^th . We encourage you to make a donation to St. Jude's Hospital, The March of Dimes, or a charity of your choice. Please, pay it forward.