Posted by Terry Powers on December 5, 2022:

CHARLES BAKER OBITUARY Charles Thompson ("Tom") Baker, 96, a resident of StoneRidge in Mystic, and previously of West Hartford and Stonington, died at Avalon Health Center on January 17, 2021. He was born in Charleston, SC, on February 15, 1924, the son of the late Cmdr. Albert A. Baker, USN (retired), and Estelle L. Baker. Tom was raised in Casper, WY, graduated from Natrona County High School there in 1942, and was awarded honors in ROTC. He then enlisted in the US Army and attended the Colorado School of Mines until he was called to active duty in 1943. He served with the 264th Regiment of the 66th Infantry Division in Europe, earning a Combat Infantry Badge and Bronze Star. He received an appointment to the US Military Academy at West Point, NY, in 1945, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1949. He was commissioned a 2nd Lt. and served with the 74th Armored Field Artillery Battalion of the 7th US Army in Germany, returning to the United States as a 1st Lt. in 1953. In civilian life, Tom joined Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford in 1954, where he worked in jet engine development and engineering administration. He worked at The Wiremold Co. in West Hartford as Chief Industrial Engineer from 1969 until his retirement in 1980, when he moved to Stonington. Tom was active in the Boy Scouts in his youth, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. A lifelong woodworker, he also loved history, especially military history and genealogy, sailing, skiing, and the UConn Women's Basketball Team. He was an active volunteer in retirement, principally with Mystic Seaport, the Stonington Community Center, and the Stonington Historical Society. He was also a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Connecticut Society of Genealogists, New England Historic Genealogical Society, and New Hampshire Historical Society. Tom was predeceased by his wife, Nancy L. Baker, whom he married in 1950, two sisters, and a brother. He is survived by his daughter, Anne B. Lewis (Bryan) of Hebron; two sons, Charles T. Baker, Jr. (Carol) of Deering, NH, and Edwin L. Baker of Honolulu, HI; six grandchildren, Thompson H. Lewis (Caitlyn), Paul W. Lewis (Kathy Fischer), Kelsey B. Kahui (Kainoa), Capt. Shea Y. Baker, USMC (Emily), Cedric C. Baker, and Staff Sgt. Chandler A. Baker, USAF; and three great grandsons, William P. Lewis, Benjamin A. Lewis, and Kana'iaupuni A. I. H. Kahui. Although he led a life of honor reflecting the values of duty, loyalty, service, and integrity, Tom also possessed a sharp wit and self-deprecating humor. He often reminded us that "Just because you grow old doesn't mean you have to grow up." May it ever be so. Interment will be beside his wife of 55 years at Maplewood Cemetery in Antrim, NH. A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Stonington Community Center. Published by Hartford Courant on Jan. 31, 2021.

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