Charles L. Baker

Charles L. Baker, Sr., age 83, of Gulfport, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2012. Mr. Baker was born in Meridian, MS and moved to the Coast in 1940. He graduated from Gulfport High School and went on to serve in the United States Marine Air Corp during the Korean War. After his military service he entered the finance business and co-founded Russell-Baker Finance Company. He also held a real estate license and specialized in rural properties. Mr. Baker was an avid outdoorsman and spent much of his free time hunting and fishing with his best friend Hilton at their camp. He was preceded in death by his parents, John L. and Annie Cooley Baker, and his brother, Cecil R. Baker. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ruth E. Baker; daughter, Deborah Baker Dubuisson (Gary); son, Charles L. “Chuck” Baker, Jr.; sister, J.Marie Hornsby; brother, J.T. Baker; grandaughter, Ashley Drown Schloegel (Michael); and three great-grandchildren, Jack, Sophie, and Lily Schloegel. The family would like to send a special thank you to Bessie Turner and the wonderful nursing staff on the 4th floor at Memorial Hospital. A private service with military honors will be held at a later date. Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home 15th Street Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. “Still Waters Run Deep” View and sign register at www.bradfordokeefe.com