Dale Edwin Baker
In Loving Memory
Reverend Dale E. Baker, aged 91, peacefully passed into the presence of his Lord whom he loved and served for over 60 years. Dale was born in Altoona, PA on January 1, 1934 to Sydney and Mary Baker. He had one sister and four brothers. Dale was a graduate of Northumberland High School, class of 1952, where he played both basketball and baseball. Upon graduation, he enrolled at the Practical Bible Training School, later Davis College, in Johnson City, New York. Dale excelled in both basketball and music. He was part of a championship basketball team for 3 years.
Upon graduation, Dale traveled for two years in evangelistic meetings in Pennsylvania using his beautiful baritone voice for solos and song leading. Later he pastored a church in Sunbury, PA, where he received the call to overseas ministry through his missionary sister Mary Baker. In 1958 Dale and his college sweetheart, Ethel (nee Gault) joined Baptist Mid-Missions and left for the Central African Republic, where they served for over 35 years. Their ministry consisted of bush evangelism, Bible translation, and training of national pastors.
Upon returning to the states, Dale pastored in Vidalia, GA, then moved to Bradenton Missionary Village, FL, where he presided over Baptist New Church Mission. He traveled extensively, speaking in local churches, camps, and Bible colleges.
Dale was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ethel, in 2017. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his brother Jerry from Matthews, NC, his two sons (Dale. J and wife Madeline and Eric R.) and two daughters (Lisa and husband Shannon and Bonita and husband Jamey) and his 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
A graveside memorial service will be held at Northumberland Memorial Park, Stonington, Pennsylvania on August 15, 2025, at 10:00 am.