Harold Elmer Baker, 83, of Jacobsburg, Ohio passed away December 2, 2015 in the year of our Lord.

He was born in Noble County, Ohio on January 4, 1932, a son of the late Ray Baker and Freda Parks Baker.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Clifton (Louise) Baker, Vernon (Gladys) Baker, Carl Baker, and Frank (Margie) Baker.

He is survived by his wife, Darleen Baker of Wilson, NC; a daughter, Sandra (Chris) Pittman of Wilson, NC; a son, Steven (Janet) Baker of Midlothian, VA; grandchildren, Ryan Pittman, Blaine Pittman, Tyler Pittman, and Isabella Baker.

Harold was a decorated veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars and retired from the USAF in 1971 as a Chief Master Sergeant. While serving in the military, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal (3 times), the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Following his retirement, he worked at the Cleveland Clinic as Manager of Recruitment and at the Wake Medical Center, Raleigh, NC as Vice President of Human Resources. After retiring from Wake Medical, he was owner/operator of Right Choice Realty, Cary, NC.

Harold graduated from Elk Rural High School in 1948. He attended Ohio University, Kent State University, Cuyahoga Community, Cleveland, OH, and Wake Technical Institute, Raleigh, NC. He was a 32nd degree Mason, member of the Shrine and Grotto fraternal organizations.

He enjoyed researching his family history and was 3rd great grandson of Capt. John Baker who served in the Revolutionary War and was killed by Indians in 1878.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 13, 2015 at 3 p.m. at Winstead United Methodist Church, 1407 S. Tarboro St., Wilson, NC. A time of visitation will follow the service.

Harold will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.

Arrangements by Toothman Funeral Home, Jacobsburg, Ohio.