Vernon D. Baker, successful businessman
Vernon D. Baker, 96, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes. He was born in Gumboro, one of three sons of Sara (West) Baker and Norman Baker. He graduated from Millsboro High School in 1943.
Vernon joined the Army in 1944. In 1945, he married his high school sweetheart, Harriet Williams, and they made their home in Millsboro, raising three children there. After his discharge from the Army, he worked at H.E. Williams & Company and later became co-owners of the company with Norris Godwin and Nels Nelson. In 1962, he and his brother, Leon, opened Baker’s Hardware Company. In 1983, he started H & V Farms Inc., where he worked until his retirement.
He was very involved in the community, serving as mayor of Millsboro, was an active member of Millsboro Lions Club, and was a member of Grace United Methodist Church for many years.
Vernon and Harriet liked to travel and they took many trips over the years. For a number of years, they enjoyed spending time at their home in Florida.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Harriet; and two brothers, Leon (Doris), and Ivan. He is survived by two sons: Vernon Jr. (Chip) and his wife Judy and David; and a daughter, Teresa B. Ricker and her husband Bob. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Lori Hudson (Rodney), Danna Sammons (Jay), Jacob Ricker (Brittini), Caleb Ricker, Amy Wingate (Don), Mark Bahn (Tanya), Justin Dempsey and Robby Rogers; seven great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Pat Willey.
Vernon’s family would like to thank all the ladies from Visiting Angels and Together We Can Home Care for the wonderful, compassionate care they provided.
Services will be held Saturday, Aug. 13, at Watson Funeral Home in Millsboro. The funeral service will be at 1 p.m., with visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burial will be at Millsboro Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Grace United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 566, Millsboro, DE 19966.
Electronic condolences via watsonfh.com.
