Walter E. Baker, 88, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at home surrounded by his family. He bravely faced advanced COPD and lung cancer for 26 years.

Walter was born March 23, 1937, in Hanover, PA, the son of the late Walter E. and Evelyn (Manspeaker) Baker, Sr.

He was a dedicated husband and father and proud of his Naval service from 1955 to 1975. He attained the rank of Yeoman Chief Petty Officer. He traveled the world during his service, enjoying his time in Rota, Spain and other ports of call in the Mediterranean. He served on the U.S.S. Bristol and Des Moines during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In the latter years of his life, he was sometimes tasked with delivering important messages across hazardous battlefields. He recently received a Quilt of Valor.

After his military service he became a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, where he worked for 20 years. He was a savvy coin collector, jokester and a great dancer. He enjoyed long drives and never missed an episode of Jeopardy. He lived in Virginia, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Georgia and Rhode Island throughout his life and was a steadfast fan of the UGA Bulldogs. He was both feisty and soft-hearted as well as courageous and selfless. He will be missed.

Walter is survived by his wife of 45 years, Deborah A Baker, of Indian Land, SC, his two daughters, Dana Baker Habershaw and her husband Joseph Habershaw, of Hope Valley, RI, and Jennifer Baker Ahmed and her husband Jaim Ahmed, of Fort Mill, SC, five grandchildren Makayla Habershaw, Meghan Habershaw, Simone Capozzi, Sophia Ahmed and Sean Ahmed.

He is also survived by two brothers, William B. Baker of West Palm Beach, FL, and Richard M. Baker of Hanover, PA, and two sisters, Ramona E. Garrity of Boca Raton, FL, and Dorothy D. Emig of East Berlin, PA, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two sisters, Mary Jane Schuman and Julie F. Baker, and his brother, David B. “Bake” Baker and two nephews, Patrick Garrity and Timothy Emig.

Following cremation, a Celebration of Life will be held in March to honor what would have been his 89th birthday. In lieu of flowers and cards, please consider donating to your local VFW or Navy Relief Fund.