Ronald E. Baker, 82, of Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away on, Saturday afternoon, October 18, 2025 at 3:30 PM.
On November 22, 1942, Ronald Eugene Baker was born in Pulaski County to Grover and Leona Rude Baker. He graduated from Royal Center High School with his class in 1960. Shortly thereafter, patriotism beckoned and Ron answered the call serving with the United States Navy. During his service stint he served on the USS Borie and the USS Putnam, both destroyers. The Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 directly led to the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Both ships were strategically positioned on the waters near Cuba. Ron was honorably discharged, and returned stateside in 1962, then attended Purdue University.
A man of diverse interests, Mr. Baker then went to work as a teacher in automobile body repair at El-Tip-Wa Vocational School in Logansport. He taught his students life lessons and garnered many friendships with his colleagues. Gifted with his hands he worked on the construction project at Plymouth's Pioneer Seed and when construction was completed continued with Pioneer Seed Company as an employee.
On August 7, 1993, Ron married the love of his life Nita Jane Cheesman at the Isaac Walton League in Argos. Their blended family of five children generated the blessings of three more generations.
As co-owners of Louie's in Argos, Ron and Nita were known for the delicious food and drinks they served and many friendships cultivated from around the area. They enjoyed serving the Marshall-Fulton County Communities for six years retiring in 1999. Ron's memberships include the James Lowell Corey American Legion Post # 68 of Argos where he served as Past Commander, the Eagles Lodge, Moose Lodge, LeRoy Shelton American Legion Post # 36 all of Rochester. He was a lifetime member of the Manitou Veterans of Foreign Wars # 1343 of Rochester and the AM-Vets #21 of Sebring, Florida.
An American sportsman, Ron loved to challenge anyone who would play a game of pool. He was accomplished at the game of golf and enjoyed hitting the links at Mill Creek. An avid fisherman Ron loved wetting his line on Lake Istokpoga near Sebring, Florida, known for its ability to deliver large trophy-sized bass. Everyone knows Ron loved IU basketball and all teams playing Notre Dame. He and Nita wintered in Sebring, Florida making many memories.
Ron is lovingly remembered by his wife Nita, at home; 5 children: Vicki Hodson of Winamac, Debbie Rhodes of Peru, Steve Baker of North Webster, Dawn (John) Nicodemus of Warsaw, and Jennifer (Roger) Johnson of Rochester; 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; and a brother Gene Good of Kenton, Ohio.
Preceding Ron in death are his parents, Grover and Leona Baker; a granddaughter, Christina Hoffa; and three brothers: Danny, Jim and Pat.
A celebration of the life of Ronald E. "Ron" Baker will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the LeRoy Shelton American Legion Post # 36, 611 Main Street, Rochester, Indiana. His family will receive friends from 2:00 - 5:00 PM EST. The Fulton County Veteran's Honor Guard and the United States Navy will accord military honors at 3:00 PM EST.
