Ned Eugene Baker, age 97, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2025, at his residence in Bowling Green, Ohio. Born on January 22, 1927, in Wauseon, Ohio, he was the son of Harve John Baker and Edna Pearl Cheney Baker. His wife, Joanne Haase, preceded him in death.
Ned’s life journey was one of resilience and service. An eager learner, Ned developed a passion for geography and history which continued throughout his life. His school years were also enriched by Boy Scout adventures, extensive travels with relatives, sparking a lifelong love for travel and an undying support for the Detroit Tigers.
World War II saw a young Ned step into service, enlisting immediately after high school. His military service took him across the United States and to Germany, where he served as an MP.
Ned earned a BA from Bowling Green State University and an MPH from the University of Michigan. This academic pursuit led to a distinguished career in public health, where Ned dedicated himself to improving sanitary conditions and public health systems in various communities. Over his 65 year career, Ned was recognized and honored for his work in the field of Public Health.
Ned served as President of the Ohio Public Health Association (OPHA) and was honored with the Dr. John D. Porterfield award by OPHA, named after Dr. John D. Porterfield, a former Director of the Ohio Department of Health. He was a founding member of the National Association of Local Boards of Health (NALBOH) as well as its first executive director. Awarded the Hageman Award by the National Association of Local Boards of Health (NALBOH) for his contributions to public health, which is named after Rev. Everett Hageman, a founding member of NALBOH. He was appointed as a Kentucky Colonel in 2009 by the Governor of Kentucky for his support in forming a state association of boards of health in Kentucky. He received an Honorary Doctor of Public Health Degree from the College of Health & Human Services at Bowling Green State University in December 2009. Ned was named one of the 100 outstanding Bowling Green State University Alumni on the 100th anniversary of the founding of BGSU. The Ned E. Baker Lecture in Public Health was established in 1999 to honor Baker’s many contributions to the field of Public Health.
At home, Ned was known as the “best papa”, famously donning a Santa suit each Christmas to the delight of his grandchildren, spending countless hours playing games and exploring the United States on extensive car trips. His love for nature was evident in his enjoyment of wildlife, particularly birds and squirrels, which he watched and fed with keen interest.
Ned is survived by 4 children, Teresa, Mike, Nedra, and Brad, 7 Grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
A visitation for Ned will be held on Thursday January 9, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home located in the Historical District of Bowling Green, Ohio at 408 W. Wooster St. A funeral service honoring Ned’s life will be held on Friday January 10, 2025, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church located on 315 S. College Dr. Bowling Green, Ohio. Pastor Robin Small will officiate. Interment will follow at Oak grove Cemetery where full military honors will be rendered by the AMVETS Honor detail.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to BG Parks and Recreation Foundation in memory of Ned Baker.
Ned Eugene Baker’s life was a testament to the impact one dedicated individual can have on their world. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
To leave an online condolence or fond memory with the Baker family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
