Herbert Baker “Herb,” 84 of Salem, was called home on Tuesday, October 14, 2021, after a long illness of Parkinson’s disease. He was born on November 17, 1936, in Brinkley, Ark., son of the late Charles Edward and Georgia Belle Lawson Baker.

Being recognized for his strong work ethic and extensive knowledge for the industry, Herb, along with a few others alike, was chosen by Mohawk Rubber Company, currently known as Yokohama Tire, to open their new manufacturing plant in Salem, Va. in the year of 1966. In 1967, he moved his family to the, then, small town where they would call home for the remainder of their lives. As a faithful man and pillar of the community, his dedication extended to every aspect of his life, including his service to God as a long-time member and past deacon of West Side Church of Christ. If you had been a child during his time of service at the church, then you along with many others alike, will never forget his generosity for handing out gum and dollar bills, especially for your birthday, as he always remembered. He had a love for golf, when he was able to play, and he was fond of gardening during his younger years. However, what will be remembered most of Herb will be the love he had for his family. He was a truly loving husband and father of two girls, and he certainly adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the apple of his eye.

In addition to his parents, Herb was preceded in death by his stepmother, Eva Benett Baker, and two brothers, C.E. Baker, Jr. and Richard Baker.

Family remaining to cherish his memory includes his wife of 66 years, Shirley H. Baker, of Salem; daughters, Pamella Baker Edmiston (Robert), of Jacksonville, Fla., and Paula Baker Gibson (Lee), of Salem; grandchildren, Kristina Pottenkulam, Tiffany Welling, and Andrew Gibson; great-grandkids, Antonia and Alexandria Pottenkulam, and Clara Welling; and a special sister-in-law, Jane H. Darr.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 23, 2021, from 12 noon until 1 p.m. at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A celebration of Herb’s life will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday following visitation, in the funeral home chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial donations in Herb’s memory to either the American Parkinson Disease Association, P.O. Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306, or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the Baker family by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.