Charles Fredrick Baker

Charles Fredrick “Fred” Baker of Farmville, VA, formerly of Lumberton, N.C., went home on April 23, 2013, following an injury. He was born on September 24, 1926, in Columbia, S.C., to the late Etta Mae Baker Bennett and raised by his grandmother, Rachel White. He was educated in the Robeson County, N.C. schools. A World War II veteran, Fred served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Houston when it came under enemy attack. He was later cited by President Harry Truman for service and bravery in battle. A member of “The Greatest Generation,” he only discussed his heroism when pressed. On shore leave in New York City, Fred met Helen Onysko of Jersey City, N.J. The couple married on September 14, 1946 and settled in Jersey City. Fred attended technical school, earning a certificate in electronics repair. He established and ran his own television repair business for more than 50 years from locations in Jersey City and North Arlington, NJ, and Lumberton, NC. Upon retirement, he and Helen moved to Farmville, VA, to be near family. Committed to serving community and church, Fred devoted time to Queen of Peace Catholic Church and the Kiwanis Club, both of North Arlington, N.J.; and the Knights of Columbus at St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church, Lumberton, N.C. He was also an avid supporter of organizations devoted to the welfare of children and animals. He was predeceased by his mother, Etta Mae Bennett; aunts Lucille Rodgers, Margaret Anderson, Thelma Packer and Lila Lewis; and an uncle, Bill Baker. Fred leaves his wife of 66 years, Helen; his daughter, Debbie Schroeder, her husband, Tracey, and granddaughters, Ava and Josie, of Charlotte, NC; his daughter, Lisa Kinzer, her husband, Charlie, and grandchildren Sarah, Christian and Rachel, of Farmville, VA; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Lady. A funeral Mass for Mr. Baker will be held in Farmville, VA, on Saturday, April 27, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church. A memorial service will be held in Lumberton, N.C, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Fred’s memory to, in Farmville, Southside SPCA,PO Box 66, Meherrin, VA 23954 and in Lumberton, the Robeson County Humane Society.