Richard John Baker, Sr.
January 4, 1947 ~ February 7, 2013
Resided in:
Clyde, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Charlotte Nell Bentley, and her husband, Richard J. Baker, Sr., of Redfield Dr., Clyde, died within four days of each other at Mission Hospital, she on Sunday, February 3, 2012, and he on Thursday, February 7, 2012.
Charlotte was born in Albany, GA, and was a daughter of the late Nicholas and Lucille Sarachene. She was also preceded in death by a son, Bobby Gregory.
Richard was born in London, England and was a son of the late Les and Judy Baker.
Because of his love for travel and adventure he had lived in Canada, the Bahamas, Florida and Indiana before moving to Asheville, where he worked with Schwan's Food Company. His primary vocation had been as a newspaper editor in several major markets and he was in demand because of his management skills.
Charlotte was the founder and editor of PinBuster, a Florida newspaper devoted to bowling enthusiasts.
Together they were very involved with rescue animals and at the time of their passing they were caring for nine dogs.
They are survived by daughters Cathi Jacobs and Cherie Baker; sons, David Shamer and Richard Baker, Jr.; grandchildren Phillip, Anthony, Mariah, Ashley, Joshua, Jonas, Noah, and Anna-Sophia; great-grandchildren Yarielle and Dejah.
Richard was preceded in death by a sister, Patty McDonald and Charlotte is also survived by a brother, Carl Sarachene and a stepdaughter, Cindy Hanson.
A joint memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.
Perpetual endowments will be established in their memory at Brother Wolfe, 31 Glendale Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801, and at Sarges Animal Rescue Foundation, 256 Industrial Park Drive, Waynesville, NC 28786.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family, and the online register is available at www.grocefuneralhome.com.
Richard started out as being our Schwan’s delivery guy. My husband & I took one look at him, and he reminded us of ‘The Wizard’ (as in OZ) We always looked forward to his every other Wednesday delivery dates. We forgot his ‘real’ name, since we just called him ‘Wizard’.
One of the nicest guys you’d ever hope to meet. The stories he could tell, of his many adventures.
‘Wizard’, was way more than our Schwan’s delivery guy, we called him friend! We’re so grateful, that we got to know him, we are blessed.
Our thoughts & prayers goes out to their family.