December 2, 1940 – October 18, 2023
Frank A. Baker was born on December 2, 1940 in Carbondale, Illinois to the late Frank and Molene Baker. He departed this life peacefully on October 18, 2023 at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Frank was raised in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, Pontiac Michigan and Toledo, Ohio. He received his education in the Toledo school system graduating from Scott High School and the University of Toledo. He excelled academically and played football at the University of Toledo.
After college he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns on the fifth round pick. He was also drafted by the Denver Broncos of the AFL and the Edmonton Eskimos of the CFL. Frank also played with several Continental football league clubs, including the Toledo Tornadoes, Canton Bulldogs and Philadelphia Bulldogs.
He continued his education at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and worked in management at Ford Motor Company and DuPont until retirement.
Frank leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 56 years, Juanita, and their children Nicole and Frank (Laura) Baker; daughters Cynthia Baker and Lisa Roberts; siblings Raymond (Denise) Baker, Barbara Baker, and Alfred (Beverly) Baker; sisters-in-law Ruth Keel and Julia Harrold; grandchildren Henry Baker, Asa Baker, Isabella Baker, Olivia Baker, Auggie Baker, Knox Baker, Juan Baker, LaTosha Baker, Don Granger, Doniqua Granger, Brandi Roberts, Kristen Roberts, Kortni Roberts; faithful caregivers Bryan Marshall and Edwin Stewart and special friend James Montague.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Molene Baker; uncles Vincent Baker and Melvin King; brother Dr. Donald Baker; sister Dr. Kathryn Palmer; and nephews John Palmer, Esq and David Baker, Esq.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 24 at Newman AME Church, 233 Bagley Street, Pontiac Michigan . Family hour begins at 10:00am and the service will start at 10:30am. Internment will be held at White Chapel Cemetery, Troy, Michigan.