Francis J. Baker Jr., veteran, DuPont retiree

Francis J. “Mickey” Baker Jr. passed away Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. He was born Oct. 25, 1937, in Wilmington, to the late Francis J. Baker Sr. and Lora L. (Eaton) Baker. He was the oldest of four brothers with Bill, Dick and Tom.

Mickey went to Brown Vocational High School, where he graduated in 1955 with a diploma in radio and TV repair. Two weeks after completing high school and receiving his diploma, Mickey enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He spent four years on active duty and another four years in reserves at his home base of Camp Lejeune, N.C. During his enlistment, he achieved the rank of sergeant.

Mickey married the love of his life, Frances M. Nowak, three years into his service in the military. After marrying, they spent a year and a half at Camp Lejeune until his discharge July 19, 1959. Mickey and Franny lived a happy marriage of 61 years before her passing Aug. 17, 2019.

Following the military, Mickey joined DuPont, working in the marketing department of textile fibers. He took early retirement in 1992 after 33 years of dedicated service and hard work. After retiring in Sussex County, Mickey thoroughly enjoyed being captain of his pontoon boat and booze cruising around Rehoboth Bay with his wife Franny, and many of his friends and family members.

Mickey was an active member of American Legion Post 28, where he rarely missed the shuffleboard Wednesday tournaments. Red-wearing Friday was always on his weekly agenda, and he enjoyed being with his buddies at AMVETS Post 2.

Mickey is preceded in death by his wife, Franny; and brother, Dick. He is survived by two children, his son, Keith Baker (Margie) of Wilmington; his daughter, Karla Engle (Donald) of Rehoboth Beach; two grandchildren, Andrew Baker (Dianna) of Wilmington, and Brandon Baker (Allison) of Wilmington; two brothers, Bill Baker (Pat) of Millsboro, and Tom Baker (Karen) of Rehoboth Beach; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Albert.

Mickey thoroughly enjoyed his family and grandchildren. He was truly a family man and cherished any time spent with them. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His smile will always remain in our hearts.

A chapel committal service with military honors will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 25, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Mickey's memory to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

Visit Mr. Baker’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.