Russell "Russ" Baker, 76, was born November 24, 1949 in Lewes, Delaware. He spent his childhood on a 100-acre working farm, including planting/harvesting crops, and the feeding and care of the farm animals, while going to school and attending church.

After graduating in 1968, he became employed by the DuPont Corporation and then joined the US Air Force in 1969. He trained as a Radio Communications Analyst and was sent to Vietnam shortly after. He spent several years stationed in various Air Force Bases and Stations around the world to include Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and England, while serving in two US sites in Ft.Meade, Maryland and Kirtland AFB, New Mexico and transitioning to the medical administration field. Kirtland AFB was his final duty station before a 20-year military retirement.

After military retirement, the family moved to Ohio, where he worked as a Federal Police Officer at the Defense Supply Center, Columbus. He later became Director and Vice President of Southeastern Business College in Lancaster, Ohio, eventually retiring from public service from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in December of 2012, due to declining health.

Russell's favorite activities after retirement included yardwork, going to dinner and movies, going for walks with the dog, traveling whenever possible to see his son and family in Texas, and watching his favorite TV shows and movies.

Russ is preceded in death by his parents, Chester Baker (1999) and Retta (Lowe) Baker, (1982) both of Georgetown, Delaware and siblings, Donald Baker of Delaware, Geraldine Baker of Georgetown, Delaware, Phyllis (John) Green, of Millsboro, Delaware, Vernon (Maxine) Baker of Millsboro, Delaware and his beloved Aunt and Uncles: Hazel (Lowe) Hudson, Preston (Zeke) Hudson and John Hudson of Dagsboro, Delaware.

He is survived by his wife, Diana (Wishon) Baker of Heath, Ohio, son, Russell J. Baker (Nicole) of Corpus Christi, Texas, granddaughter, Jade (Rodriguez) Williford (Justin), and great-granddaughter, Noelle Williford of Pikeville, North Carolina, siblings, Ethel Mae (Ebie) Layton of Greenwood, Delaware, Merrill (Judy) Baker of Georgetown, Delaware, Linda (Baker) Clive of Jeffersonville, Indiana and Sandra Baker of Georgetown, Delaware, Russell is also survived by a multitude of nephews, nieces, great and great-great-nephews and nieces.

Gathering of family and friends on Friday, October 2, 2026 from 5 - 7 pm with service beginning at 7 in Pfeifer Woodyard Funeral Home, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Pastor Mike Brue, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please give a donation to: The Licking County Humane Society, 825 Thornwood Drive, Heath, Ohio 43056

Pfeifer Woodyard Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.