J. Wayne Baker

Dr. J. Wayne Baker

A life well-lived is evidenced by the love you create.

Dr. J. Wayne Baker, 84, of Akron, OH passed away peacefully on Friday July 13th, 2018 surrounded by his family.

He was born in Zion, Illinois on June 26, 1934 to parents Joseph and Gwendolyn Baker. Dr. Baker had a PHD in History and was a professor at the University of Akron in the History Department for 32 years. He co-created a survey course in Western Cultural Traditions, co-authored three books as well as a textbook, and wrote and contributed to numerous articles in his field. He had a lifelong love of learning and teaching.
Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Linda B. Kersker, with whom he shared a love of travel and adventure. He was also preceded in death by lifelong friend, Jeff Tripp, and close family friend, John Solomon. He is survived by daughters, Linda Baker (David Welner), Susan Baker Ross, Naomi Baker, and Sarah-Lu Baker (Peter Geissert); grandchildren, JoZeff, Alexandra, Kevin, Lila, and Wesley; best friend, whom he loved, Susan Clements and many other friends and family.
Wayne loved fine cars, dirty martinis and feeding babies ice cream. He had many interests and aspirations. In his younger years he played a mean game of golf and he once said if he had not gone into the history field he might have been a professional race car driver. He broke the mold, or at least reformed it. His family was clearly his greatest treasure and he was our wabi-sabi patriarch. We are going to miss him a whole hell of a lot but he left love in his place to keep us company.
In the spirit of his love of cars, a celebration of life will be held at the Carriage House at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, on SUNDAY July 22nd from 2-5 P.M. with remembrances at 4 P.M. Private inurnment to occur at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the COPD Foundation, 3300 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Miami, FL 33134.
(Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)