Obituary of Paul M. Baker, Jr.

Paul M. Baker, Jr., 92, of Palmyra, PA, formerly of Elizabethtown, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday morning, February 4, 2026 at Hershey Medical Center.  Born in Conewago Twp., Dauphin County, he was the son of the late Paul M., Sr. and Esther Aldinger Baker.  He was the loving husband of Christine E. Berrier Baker for 66 years on June 6.

Paul was a lifelong and active member of Conewago Church of the Brethren (now Conewago Community Church) in Hershey where he was a lifetime deacon and served on the ministry commission and cemetery committee for many years. He also served on the building and maintenance committees.

After being drafted into the United States Army, he served 19 months with the 7th Army Medical Corps in Germany. Prior to retiring completely in 2016, he had been employed by Lester Eshelman Masonry for 42 years. He also did masonry work for Bill Haldeman and Dan Baker.  In addition to fishing and playing softball, he enjoyed hunting big game in the American west and in Maine.  While living along Old Hershey Road for 60 years, Paul brightened the outside of their home and property by growing beautiful flowers.  He also was quite a good vegetable gardener, known for his exceptional asparagus, sweet corn, and strawberries which he freely shared with family, church members, and neighbors.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Paul A., husband of Karen (Bricker) Baker, of Elizabethtown, Julie A., wife of Jerry Ruhl, of Mount Joy, Nancy L., wife of Scott Boltz, of Harrisburg, and Thomas J., husband of Tina (Kreiser) Baker, of Hummelstown; 10 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren (and expecting two more in the summer!); and five siblings, Marian Hackman, of Elizabethtown, Robert Baker, of Palmyra, Virgil, husband of Mary Baker, of Manheim, Goldie Hershey of Manheim, and Raymond, husband of Nancy Baker, of Palmyra. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Genevieve Neideigh, and an infant sister, Barbara Baker.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Conewago Community Church, 7035 Schoolhouse Road, Hershey, PA. There will be no public viewing.  The family will receive guests at the church during a luncheon immediately following the service. Please omit flowers. If desired, contributions may be made in his memory to Conewago Community Church  To express a condolence with the family or for additional information, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.