Charles Baker

Charles William "Bill" Baker of Indianapolis, IN, passed away on May 2, 2024, at the age of 94. Bill was born in Indianapolis to William Charles Baker and Leona Mae (Shuman) Baker on June 23, 1929. He graduated from Broad Ripple High School and attended Butler University after serving in the Marine Corps. Bill was employed as a Sales Manager for R L Polk and Robinson Directories.  Sales was clearly his niche, as establishing rapport with others came naturally to him. In the 1950s, he worked as a technician at Eli Lilly and was pictured in Life Magazine alongside Jonas Salk, who was working on perfection of the polio vaccine. Bill was a lifetime member of the Elks Club and coached CYO basketball for his sons’ teams.

He is preceded in death by his parents, mentioned above; wife, JoAnn Baker; son, Jim Baker; wife, Marie Strano-Baker; sisters, Frieda Lyons and Phyllis Osting; and brother, Ron Baker.

Bill is survived by his sons, Greg Baker (Patricia), Mike Baker (Shaunna), Brad Baker (Gretchel); grandchildren, Trisha and Ryan Baker, Wesley Spires, and Kinzie Grandelis; great grandchildren, Kayla, Keerah, Gabriel, Jaxon, and Chace Baker; brother, Will Baker (Martha); and sister, Carol Loyal (James). Other survivors include his stepdaughter, Carolyn Strano; stepson, Bill Strano; and longtime family friend, Sue Spencer. 

Cremation Arrangements provided by Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services - Lawrence. Bill’s final resting place is at Washington Park East Cemetery, Indianapolis, IN.  A Celebration of Life will be on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 2pm for family and close friends at Sanders Glen Assisted Living Facility in Westfield, IN.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wheeler Mission or your local Humane Society in honor of his generous spirit and love of dogs.