Atkinson, NH: Major Fred H. Baker, Sr., 89, husband of the late Philene R. (Brown) Baker, and formerly of Venice, FL, died June 30th at the Colonial Poplin Nursing Home in Fremont, NH.

Born in Haverhill on March 3, 1920, Major Baker was the son of the late George A. and Bernice (Smith) Baker.

Following his graduation from Haverhill High School, Class of 1937, he continued his education, and graduated from Bentley School of Accounting. During WWII he served in the Pacific Theater as a B-24 pilot with 46 combat missions. Among his many awards are the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart and 13 Air Medals.

Upon his discharge in 1947 he joined Knight's Slipper Co. of Haverhill where he worked as a foreman. He then joined Western Electric as a Cost Accountant and worked twenty-seven years before retiring in 1977. He and his wife then moved to Venice, FL where they lived for twenty-one years before returning to Sandown, NH to live with his son and daughter-in-law.

For fifty years he was a member of Riverside Memorial Church serving as Treasurer, and Chairman of the Rebuilding Committee following the fire of 1971. He was a member of Saggahew Lodge A.F. & A.M., the Haverhill Rod & Gun Club, and was an avid golfer and bridge player, and enjoyed tending his rose garden.

He is survived by his family, Col. Fred H. Baker, Jr. of Hampstead, Melanie Baker of Rutland, VT, Beverly "Lee" Abbott and her husband Peter of West Newfield, ME; seven grandchildren; five great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Ray Baker.

Friends are invited to the funeral Friday 11:00 a.m. at Riverside Memorial Church. Calling hours Thursday, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main Street, Haverhill. Interment at Linwood Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to Riverside Memorial Church, 278 Groveland Street, Haverhill, MA 01830.

Online condolences may be sent to www.dcsfuneralhome.com