Rev. William L. Baker, 92, of Youngsville, PA., passed away Thursday, January 5, 2023 at the Warren Manor, where he resided for two weeks. He is preceded in death by his with of 60 years, Marilyn J. Baker who passed away September 18, 2013. He attended the Wesleyan Methodist Church and held membership at the Second Wesleyan Methodist Church in Canton, OH.

Bill was born January 21, 1930 in a coal miner’s home to the late Rev and Mrs. Charles Baker in Commodore, PA. He was the first born son, and older brother to Geraldine (Geri) Long of Pittsfield, PA who passed away February 2, 2020. He is survived by his nephew and nieces.

Being a pastor’s son since the age of 10, Bill learned what it meant to be uprooted to attend various schools during his boyhood years. He graduated from Youngsville High School in 1949. As a youth he learned the value of hard work. While other boys were playing, he rode his bike to the neighboring farms and spent long days loading hay to put money in his pocket. He could identify with the working man since he had held various jobs before becoming a pastor. Much of his working time was spent in the Youngsville/Warren area, working at a sawmill while in high school, working for Fenix Furniture and driving the Camp’s potato truck overnight to Pittsburgh. Later while living in  Carrollton, OH he worked as a kiln placer in a pottery factory. He spent many hours on the Stoneboro Camp grounds working with his dad, who was a caretaker, setting up tents in tent town, and he later painted the ceiling of the present day tabernacle as a one man job.

Bill’s direction in life was changed August 25, 1952 when he was radically converted at Stoneboro Camp Meeting, Stoneboro, PA. That fall found him in Central College, South Carolina preparing for the ministry. He was married to Marilyn Markey in 1953 and after finishing another year at Central, transferred to finish out his schooling at Marion College, Marion, IN. His pastorates include, Lingrove, IN in his senior year of College. 1955-56 Vanport Wesleyan Methodist Church for 5 years 1956-1961. Smithport Wesleyan Methodist Church for 2 years 1961-1963, and 35 years 1962-1998 at the Canton Second Wesleyan Methodist Church in Canton, OH, from where he and his wife retired to reside in Youngsville, PA. Among other duties he served many years as head usher at Stoneboro Camp, and treasurer for the Holiness Convention.

Bill was his own man. Someone noted of him, that he treads his own path in this life. He will be missed by those who knew him best. Special thanks to his caregivers Shelby Wachter and Thad and Kristy Steuart who kept him in his home until he was unable to care for himself. 

Friends will be received at the Pittsfield Wesleyan Methodist Church,    Pittsfield, Pa., on Tuesday, January 10th from 10-11am, at which time a funeral service will be held with the Rev. Paul Kruse, pastor officiating. 

Condolences may be made to the family at nelsonfuneralhome.net. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pittsfield Wesleyan Church.

The Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 314 North Main St. Youngsville, Pa., have been entrusted with all arrangements.