Dale Russell Baker

Born on September 7th, 1935, in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, to Russell H. and Catherine McGale Baker. Dale spent his summers playing sports and visiting his family cabin in Canada fishing and hunting. During the winter months, Dale and his parents came to Punta Gorda where he became a full time resident when he was in 9th grade. Dale attended Charlotte High School where he lettered in basketball, football, and baseball. He graduated in 1953. On June 10th, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Gussie Merle Peeples. Together, they built a beautiful family of three children, eight grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren, along with hundreds of CHS basketball players who he considered his boys at heart.

Dale enjoyed fishing in Charlotte Harbor and was affectionately known as “Redfish” by his fishing buddies. He also loved to hunt, playing mens’ softball, bowling, bottle collecting and spending time at the dog track.

Dale followed the path of his father and took up the trade of plastering and stucco. He worked for the General Development Corporation for many years before forming Dale R. Baker Construction. For over 30 years he built beautiful custom homes in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte.

It was no secret that Dale loved the FSU Seminoles and Charlotte Tarpon Sports. He was a longtime FSU season ticket holder and a former member of the Seminole Boosters Board of Directors. He was inducted to the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame and was also Tarpon of the Year in 2013. He passed on his love of FSU to his children and grandchildren.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Catherine Baker, his beloved wife, Gussie, and his brother Jack Baker.

Treasuring his memory are his children; Russell (Tina) Baker, Debra (Benji) Dees, Stephen (Kate) Baker, his eight grandchildren; Rusty (Jayme) Baker, Lacy Dees, Ryan Baker, Amy (Steve) Miller, Bryan (Ashley) Dees, Alaina (David) Jacobs, Kyle Baker, and Sydney Baker and ten great grandchildren; Cohen Miller, Allison Jacobs, JD Baker, Andrew Jacobs, Jase Baker, Greyson Dees, Riley Miller, Taryn Baker, Bennett Dees and Carter Dees.

A gathering of family and friends will take place Saturday, August 17th, from 10:30am to 11:30am with a celebration of life to follow at 11:30am at Kays-Ponger and Uselton Funeral Home, 635 E. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Dale will be laid to rest at Indian Springs Cemetery, committal service will be private. In honor of Dale’s love for Charlotte High School and Florida State University, attendees are welcome to wear attire representing these schools.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Charlotte High School Boys Basketball program, 1250 Cooper Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, Attention: Coach Mike Williams.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories can be shared on the Baker family’s memorial page on www.kayspongerpg.com.