John Ronald "Ron" Baker Sr.

John Ronald "Ron" Baker Sr., age 76, of Fallston, MD, passed away on December 20, 2012 at his home. Born in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of the late Louis Winfield Wise and Alma Virginia Hurtt Wise. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he was a 40 year resident of Harford County and had worked as an Account Executive for John Deer Farm Equipment. In 1974, Mr. Baker, along with his wife and friends, Billy and Barbara Washington, went to the Fallston Rec Council and secured a soccer field. This would be the beginning of the Fallston Rec Boys Soccer Program which has grown from 60 players to nearly 1200 players in 2012. This year's Fallston Cup was dedicated to Mr. Baker who truly believed "Always put the Kids First and development and wins will follow" and to "Always Always Always make it about the Kids". He was also very involved in Church of Nativity in Lutherville and once a month, would serve food to the less fortunate and veterans at the Baltimore Station where he was known as the "Chicken Man". An only child, he taught his many children and grandchildren how to love.

Mr. Baker is survived by his wife, Mary Patricia DeAtley Baker; sons, John R. Baker Jr. of Lutherville, William Patrick Baker of Fallston and David Andrew Baker of Bel Air; daughters, Ellen Teresa "Terry" Grant and Patricia Ann Baker, both of Fallston, Jennifer Lynn Kelly of Forest Hill and Susan Ann LaFond of Abingdon; and grandchildren, Jason Grant, Justin Baker, Chris Grant, Livia Baker, Jack Baker, Katie Kelly, Adam Baker, Allison Kelly, Isabella Baker, Travis LaFond, Megan LaFond and Adalyn Baker.

Pallbearers will be John Baker, Bill Baker, David Baker, Justin Baker, Jason Grant, Mike Kelly and Jerad LaFond.

Those who desire may make a donation to Baltimore Station, 140 W. West St., Baltimore, MD 21230.