Ronald Duane "Bake" Baker

Williamsport, MD – Ronald Duane “Bake” Baker, 87, of Williamsport, MD passed away on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at Meritus Medical Center.

He was born on August 1, 1935, in St. James, MD to the late George Ronald and Alice Isabelle Finafrock Baker.

Bake was a 1953 graduate of Williamsport High School.  He played varsity soccer for 3 years. 

As a testimony to his soccer skills, in 1951 he was selected to play for the Williamsport town team of the Washington County League and played from 1951-1974.

He was employed as a Dietary Supervisor at MCI-H for 27 years until retiring in 1996.

Bake was a veteran of the U.S. Army.  He wasn’t exactly thrilled about being drafted.  He served 19 months in Germany, returning home in 1960.

When he returned from the service, he immediately resumed his soccer career, helping the Williamsport team to a remarkable 10 straight league championships.  He retired from playing in 1974.  He began officiating soccer games in 1960, he officiated for 40 years for youth soccer, high school, junior college and major colleges.  He also officiated high school playoffs, regional finals, and state championships.

Bake received numerous awards and recognitions during his unprecedented 40-year career.  He made many friends and saw many talented young soccer players during his officiating career.  He was very proud to receive the J. William Lightner Official Award in 2005.

He also coached youth soccer and little league in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

He was a member of Rehoboth United Methodist Church Williamsport, MD.

Bake was also a member of the Williamsport Country Club; IORM Tribe #84 of Williamsport, MD for 50 plus years; Elks Lodge #378 Hagerstown, MD; Potomac Post #202 American Legion Williamsport, MD.

He is survived by his wife Norma Jane (Messner) Baker whom he married on May 4, 1962; daughter Beth Baker-Ferree and her husband Rob of Sharpsburg, MD; son Lance Baker and his partner Jim Clapper of Mercersburg, PA; brother George E. Baker of Williamsport, MD; niece Julie Baker; nephew Jeb Baker; brothers-in-law George, Clinton, and Graham Messner; sisters-in-law Shaw Rosen, Drew Menter, and Meagan Boozer; numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Rehoboth United Methodist Church Williamsport, MD on Friday, May 26, 2023, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm and 5:00 – 7:00 pm.  The family will greet family and friends at those times.  The church will be open at 1:00 pm for the convenience of family and friends and will remain open all day.

A celebration of life will be held at Rehoboth United Methodist Church Williamsport, MD on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 2:00 pm with Rev. Michael Bennett officiating.  Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Rehoboth United Methodist Church 16829 Lappans Rd. Williamsport, MD 21795    

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