John Henry Baker was born in Graham, KY, in coal mining country, on Sept. 18, 1918. He is one of 5 siblings, 2 brothers & 2 sisters. He lost his Father to a coal mining accident when he was only 8 years old.
His Mother, 2 sisters, & 1 brother headed up to Detroit, MI to get jobs. He completed 9th Grade but needed a job. His sister, Daph knew a lady at the Book Cadillac who was able to get him hired there first as an Elevator Operator then as a Bell Hop. The picture you see posted for him was when he was 20 years old in 1938 on the cover of a Michigan Hotel Magazine. He met so very many famous people in sports, Hollywood, Big Bands, and more. He took Amelia Earhart to her room. Charles Lindberg was his Hero and later he learned how to fly a plane. That is only the tip of the iceberg.
He continued his lifelong attributes of hard work, sacrifice, dedication to learn, and constantly worked to improve himself. In 1940 he entered the US Coast Guard then later US Naval Air Reserve from which he retired years later.
He used his work & experiences from his Boiler Room duties while in the Coast Guard to obtaining 1st Class Steam Engineering Licenses for various Power House Positions then as Chief Power House Engineer Positions for 24 years with Ford Motor Company from which he retired.
He was married for 74 years to his Beloved Wife, Ellen, who passed in 2016. His Daughter, Carole; Son-in-Law, Kevin; Grand Daughters/Husbands: Erin, Heather/Mark, Megan/Tony; and Great Grand Children: Olivia, Devin, & Everett will All Have Very Fond Memories of Him.
He was a Man of Deep Faith. He was a comforting and giving individual to all of his extended family and friends to whom he regaled with stories and examples of his interesting and productive life.
HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL
Visitation will be held at the O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi, 248-348-1800 on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. There will be a Funeral Service on Thursday, January 19, 2023 @ 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children .