Dean Richard Baker Sr.

Dean Richard Baker Sr. entered the gates of heaven surrounded by his family on Nov. 21, 2018, at his home in Pompano Beach, Fla.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 44 years, Karen Baker; son, Dean Richard Baker Jr. (Melissa); daughter, Kari Yazejian (Adam), daughter, Lindsay Lonander (Hans), daughter, Erin Povlitz (Adam), and daughter Kaitlin Trent (Gabriel); and nine adoring grandchildren, Lauren, Amanda, Katelyn, Kale, Elora, Isaac, Areli, Hayden, and Elle, who affectionately called him Pappy. He is also survived by his brothers, William and Robert Baker, and his sisters Bonnie Bunce, Kathy Furman, and Susan Furman; and many nieces and nephews.

Dean was born in Williamsport on Jan. 28, 1945, to Kathryn Elizabeth (Schoffstall) and Ernest Elwood Baker. He graduated from Williamsport High School in 1962, and he honorably served in the Army Reserves until 1971. After high school, Dean worked for Barr’s, Wyno’s and Heron’s automobile centers in Williamsport, where he learned and developed his mechanic skills.

A long-time resident of Pompano Beach and entrepreneur, he owned and operated Baker Auto Service for more than 40 years (along with Import Parts of Pompano and Baker Pre-Owned) where he was able to bless others with his gift of auto repair.

Dean was a long-serving member of the Church of the Nazarene where he faithfully taught Sunday School to middle school boys for over 30 years, and served as a board member. His faith in the Lord remained the foundation of his life and was lived out daily.

Some of Dean’s favorite things were spending time with his family and friends, fishing and boating, country and gospel music, being a lifelong, devout Steelers fan, making people laugh (even complete strangers), pulling pranks on his friends and helping others.

Dean had a true servant’s heart and had the gift of making all who knew him feel like family. He was generous with his time and resources and such an example of what it means to be like Jesus. We feel blessed to have had him in our lives. He will be missed beyond measure.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 29, at Pompano Beach First Church of the Nazarene, 916 North East Fourth St. Pompano Beach, FL 33060. The celebration will begin at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pompano Church of the Nazarene Children and Youth Ministries.