David Baker

Charles David Baker, 80, of Bucyrus, passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at Avita Health System Bucyrus. Dave had a history of heart issues; however, his death was unexpected.

He was born December 30, 1944 in Tiffin, Ohio to the late Charles H. and Alice M. (Koontz) Baker and attended Bucyrus High School until joining the Navy in 1963. Dave felt very honored to serve his country and during his time in the service, worked as a Flight Deck Supervisor aboard the USS Enterprise (CVAN-65). The first nuclear powered aircraft carrier. Following his honorable discharge, Dave returned to Bucyrus and spent a short time, working as a milkman for Lone Pine Dairy and also at Shunk Manufacturing. In 1969, he hired in at Timken, working for 30 years and retiring on August 31, 1999. After retirement, Dave kept busy by doing maintenance work on a part time basis at Maple Crest Assted Living, helping to keep residents comfortable for about 10 years.

On June 30, 1979, Dave married Marcia (Eichelberger) Fritz. She survives and has enjoyed many wonderful experiences. Dave was happiest around family, and throughout life loved being at the beach. They spent many vacations at Panama City Beach, Florida and also enjoyed many cruises, including an Alaskan cruise as well as several throughout the Caribbean. He, along with his son, got certified to scuba dive and shared a couple of dives together until his doctor felt it best that he not.

He was formerly active at St. John’s UCC and most recently attended The Mud Church, Emanuel UCC. Dave enjoyed helping others by giving his time and spent many years volunteering with the Bucyrus High School Marching Band and Crawford County Relay for Life. He was also a member of the VFW Post 1078.

Dave was a big animal lover and enjoyed years of companionship offered by his various dogs and cats. He liked to fish wherever they were biting and one of his favorite past times was building models. Models of airplanes and the USS Enterprise itself. He also worked crossword puzzles, collected fossils and enjoyed rooting for his Buckeyes and Browns. For relaxation, Dave liked watching old westerns and while in the car, made sure to fill the air with sounds of the 60s and 70s.

In addition to Marcia, his wife of 45 years, Dave is survived by his son, Jeremy (Kerry) Fritz; grandchildren, Dylan Fritz, Joshua Fisher, Ethan Fisher, and Zachary Fisher; sisters-in-law, Pam (Dave) Roy, Barb Teynor, Deb (Cindy) Heil, Kathy (Alex) Eannottie and Kathleen (John) Dishon; brothers-in-law, Larry (Anita) Eichelberger and Michael (Kelly) Sturtz as well as many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Dave was preceded in death by siblings, Sharon (Thomas) Radcliff and Ronald Baker; father and mother-in-law, Bob and Pauline Eichelberger and his sister-in-law, Diane Grady.

Memorial calling hours will be held from 4 – 7 pm on Thursday, March 27 at Wise Funeral Service with a graveside service beginning at 11:00 am Friday at Oakwood Cemetery Columbarium with Pastor Jay Scott officiating. Military rites will be provided by both the Navy Honor Guard and the Bucyrus Veterans Military Funeral Detail.

If desired, donations can be made payable to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Humane Society Serving Crawford County or a charity of the donor’s choice. These gifts will be accepted through the funeral home and expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on his guestbook at www.wisefuneral.com.