Obituary of Joseph P. Baker
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Joseph Patrick 'PAT' Baker, age 53, of Castle Ford Road, Boone, died
Sunday evening, November 28, 2010.
Born Joseph Patrick Baker on October 29, 1957 in Mecklenburg County, he was a son of Julia Tucker Baker and the late Joseph Leon Baker. He graduated from Northwood High School in Pittsboro in 1977.
Pat's career in law enforcement began in 1981 with Chatham Security, followed by three years with the Carrboro Police Department. Since 1985 he has been employed with the Watauga County Sheriff's Office. He was a Certified Public School Resource Officer and the D.A.R.E. Officer for Watauga County Public Schools. Pat loved his work with students; he felt it was an honor and privilege to impact young lives in a positive way and was awarded the title of North Carolina D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year in 2009. Sergeant Baker's duties included Patrol Officer, Crime Prevention Officer, Investigator, Court and Civil Officer, Shift Sergeant, and D.A.R.E. Officer. Pat was currently serving as President of the Watauga County Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #80 and served for several years as a Trustee for the NC State Fraternal Order of Police. He attended Meat Camp Baptist Church and had recently greatly enjoyed volunteering, with his family, at Hickory Ridge Living History Museum providing educational tours for visitors.
Surviving are his wife of 27 years, Mary Greene; his daughter, Kathleen Baker; his mother, Julia Tucker Baker of Pittsboro; five sisters: Terri Lynn Moretz and husband Jim of Crumpler; Michelle Haith and husband Eddie of Pittsboro; Kasey Thanos of Greensboro; Tracey Ocampo and husband Jorge of Siler City; and Kelley Baker of Pittsboro; four brothers: Tony Baker and wife Ann of Pittsboro; Danny Baker of Elizabeth City; Chris Baker and wife Carol of Rockville, MD; and Baron Baker and wife Jen of Durham.
A number of nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Leon Baker.
The family will receive friends Friday evening, December 3rd from 6:00 until 8:30 PM at Boone United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at Boone United Methodist Church Saturday, December 4th at 11:00 AM officiated by Rev. Mike Townsend and Rev. David Clippard.
Burial will follow in Meat Camp Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Fraternal Order of Police, Watauga County Chapter #80, c/o Jeff Virginia, 184 Hodges Gap Road, Boone, NC 28607 or to the Watauga County D.A.R.E. Program, c/o BB&T (Bank) PO Box 2928, Boone, NC 28607.
Online condolences may be sent at the website of www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.
Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Baker Family.