May 18, 2012 The Altoona Mirror

Melvin James "Moe" Baker, 74, Cresson, was called to God Wednesday at Memorial Medical Center, Johnstown.

He was born in Altoona, son of the late Leo and Grace (Noel) Baker.

Surviving are his loving wife of 52 years, Joan (Schwaderer); six children: Stephen (Elizabeth Woo) of Murrysville, Deborah of Cresson, Jean (Patrick Bayuk) of Greensburg, Jacqueline (Richard Marcuson) of Churchill, Mark (Kimberly Nesneski) of Cresson and Phillip (Cathy Lysic) of Mount Lebanon; five grandchildren: Brittany, Mia, Corinne, Maggie Jane and Maxwell James; and five siblings: Sister DeRicci, I.H.M., and Sister Gracette, I.H.M., both of Scranton, Margaret Janssen in Arizona, Robert (Judy) of Cresson and Grace Grove (Gary) in Ohio.

He is also survived by sisters-in-law: Oma Jean Baker of Karns City, Wilhelmenia "Billie" Baker of Altoona and Linda Baker of Indiana; a brother-in-law, Edgar Plazek in Ohio; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and longtime friends.

He was preceded in death by five brothers: Paul, John, Joseph, Leo and Gene; and two sisters: Mary and Janet.

Larger than life to his family, "Moe" was an active member of his community as a faithful parishioner of St. Aloysius Catholic Church and a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Ann's Council. He spent his working career as a valued truck driver with Ward Trucking Corp., Altoona, retiring after 43 years of service. He also served as Cresson Borough tax collector from 1993 to the present.

As a dedicated father and sports fan, Moe assumed a coach's role at many Little League baseball games and on the football field, cheering his teams to victory. He held the position of president of the Cresson Lions Pool for many years, and as a Lion, he volunteered many hours to the Lions Club pancake breakfasts. His hobbies included golf on any course, rain or shine. He also enjoyed photography and spent many hours perfecting his craft.

Friends will be received from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 19, 2012, and 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday, May 20, 2012, at Charles M. Kennedy Funeral Home, Cresson, where a vigil for the deceased will be held Saturday evening. Legion of Mary will recite the rosary at 3 p.m. Sunday, and the Knights of Columbus honor guard will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, May 21, 2012, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, the Very Rev. John D. Byrnes officiating. Committal will be in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cresson Lions Pool in Moe's memory.