*This obituary has been updated on April, 1, 2024*

Carl Leroy Baker
AKA Snakebaker

Carl was born November 27, 1936 AM, He was youngest of eight children, two girls & six boys. Vivian Bertha, Florence Alverta, Clayton William, Unnamed boy stillborn, Set of twins died 5 days & 7 days of a lung issue, John Douglas and lastly Carl. They were born to George Dewey and Daisy Victoria (nee Babylon) Baker. Carl was born at 3447 Falls Road, Baltimore, Maryland (Hamden where he lived until he was 12 years old).

There are many stories connected with this time, his earliest remembrance was playing on the sidewalk between the houses and the preacher hollering out the window to keep it down as he was trying to write his sermon. Carl could go on and on telling his stories, but most of them have been heard over and over again; raising his pigeons, shooting rats at night to keep them out of the coops, swimming and fishing in the reservoir, being chased by the police, stealing goldfish from Rev. Hindgardner's pond and then selling them back to him, buying candy with the money, riding Russell's pony around the park, being in the boxing club HWR where he got his nickname from his fiend, Newt (Newton Crouse). Newt and I met in the first grade and were lifelong friends until he passed in 1995.

When Carl was 12 years old, they moved to 804 W. 34th Street with Vivian and her husband Roy, two daughters Vicky and Lois. This only lasted a short time, because his dad and mom bought the house across the street and then moved to 829 W. 34th Street. This is where Carl learned to cook and clean in order to help his Mom who worked and since he was the last child at home he helped out. He also got his first job delivering the "Home New". It was a Thursday paper that he delivered; 300 papers for $1.50 a week. Then he got a job delivering the "Baltimore Sun" 6 days a week; 90 papers for $3.50 a week. During this time, his dad worked with a man who owned a shore place on Botkins Creek, and the family started to visit every week. Mr. Bill, the owner, really took a liking to Carl. He taught Carl boating, fishing and shooting skills. Carl took a liking to his daughter Ann, but she was bashful and played hard-to-get. He next got a job at Eddies, a little grocery store at 34th & Keswick, Fridays after school and Saturdays for $3.00 a day plus tips for delivery.

When he turned 16, he got his drivers license and a job at A&P where he met, dated and eventually married Evelyn E. Kemp. Along came Deborah Ann & Terry Lynn. They lived with "Nan" for about 6 months before buying a house at 3500 Elm Avenue where they lived for the next 14 years. During this time Carl joined the Baltimore City Fire Department and spent 35+ years before retiring. There are many many stories relating to his time in the Department; 2 years in fire service,17 years in medical service and 16 years at the Fire Academy. While in the Department he also worked several jobs as a painter, handyman, gas jockey for Exxon, parts manager and bookkeeper. Carl also tended bar part time for 22 years at BYC, Hillendale CC Eagles and Michael's.

After retiring, he held several jobs; delivering flowers, cashier in a deli, tow truck driver, and spent 16 years at the Maryland Masonic Homes in various positions with their security, maintenance and transportation departments retiring once again in 2012.

In 1969, Carl and Evelyn decided it was time to move on and they moved to a new home in Timonium, Maryland. It was a great move to a single family home with a big yard. They were all very happy. Their daughter, Deborah, gave them two grandsons Mike and Jeff and the time spent with them were marvelous. The next thing you know, Birdie Jane came along and was the the light and joy for everybody.

Carl passed away on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at the age of 87. He was surrounded by his beautiful bride, Evelyn (nee Kemp) Baker and his daughters, Debbie Janka and Terry York. He was a proud "Pa" of Michael Hild and his wife Mary and Jeff Hild and his wife Michelle Kohler and a special "Pa" to his great granddaughter, Birdie Jane Hild.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Carl was a proud member of Pickering Lodge #219 AF and AM of Maryland. He was a Mason for over 50 years. In lieu of flowers, please remember Carl with memorial contributions to the Hampden United Methodist Church , 3449 Falls Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21211.

*Update:

Please join us for a Celebration of Life honoring our beloved Carl L. Baker on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Maryland Masonic Home Chapel, 300 International Circle, Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030. -lunch will be served- We will gather to laugh, cry and celebrate a beautiful soul and a wonderful life well lived.