Walter Wilson Baker

Walter (Walt) W. Baker, age 90, passed away on March 21st, 2016 at Kobacker House. Born October 9th, 1925, he was a lifelong resident of Columbus. He was a North High graduate of '43, and a U.S. Marine Veteran of World War II. After serving in Okinawa he was sent to Tsingtao, China, with the 6th Marine Division. He was a former owner of Sherritt's Market in Bexley.

Walt was truly passionate about everything he did. He spared no effort to promote, support, and learn about the causes/interests nearest to his heart. He did his very best to help both family and friends whenever he saw a need. He also generously supported many, many charities.

He was a supporter of the former Columbus Gymnastic Club, and as a member of the U.S. Sports Acrobatic Federation, won two national awards in men's fours balance routines, and performed in many shows. For 13 years he went to Virginia Beach to work out with their acrobats. The Gymnastic Club worked out in his backyard for years on the trampoline, etc. He worked out with weights most of his life. He had a great love for and knowledge of the Olympics. He was a big O.S.U. football fan. His love and knowledge of music, especially classical, was outstanding. He was proud of his art work in his early life, as well as his building projects, and filled his home with art and remembrances. Knowledge of almost any subject was a passion, to the extent that he created his own book filled to the brim with facts, with his observations, and with his jokes! Camping was another love, which he shared, along with so much else, with his family. Hocking Hills was a favorite destination. Walter was preceded in death by his dear wife of 42 years, Vivian (Viv) (Wilson); parents, Lucile (Bishop) and Joseph Jr.; brother, Joseph B. and his wife, Theo (Ted) Housum. He is survived by daughter, Debbie Smith of Ann Arbor MI.; sons, Mark, Bradley, and Darren (Cathy) of Columbus; granddaughter, Amanda Baker of Ann Arbor; step-granddaughter, Jennifer Farley, and nephew, Jack Baker of North Carolina. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Walt's name to Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust, cst.dav.org, 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Springs, KY, 41076, 877-426-2838 xt.3301, or to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), jdrf.org, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY, 10004, 212-785-9500.

From all of your family and friends, we love you Walter W. Baker. May you rest in peace. Family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 28, 2016 at the SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Rd.,

where the funeral service will be held 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2016 with Mark Dettmer officiating. Interment will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share a favorite memory of Walt.