Henry Martin "Pepe" Baker

Henry Martin "Pepe" Baker, Sr., of Oakland Ave., Drexel, NC died Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at the Burke Palliative Care Center following a period of declining health. Born March 10, 1916 in Burke County, NC, he was the son of the late Pink David Baker and Dora Bolick Baker.Henry was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII. He worked at Alba Hosiery and retired from Highlanders. Henry was a retired Drexel Volunteer Fireman. He was an avid sportsman, having played on a semi-pro baseball team with the Hickory Spinners. He also played in the industrial softball league. Later he became a coach to many of the young boys of Burke County. At age 57 he discovered the game of golf and this became his game of choice. He played at every opportunity until 2000 when he broke his hip.A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Henry is survived by his wife of 71 years, Reba Black Baker of the home; daughters, Zona Monaghan and husband, Peter, of Carolina Beach, NC; Judy Garrard and husband, Jim, of Tega Cay, SC; a daughter-in-law, Lois Baker of Drexel; grandchildren, Mark Baker and wife, Linda, of Houston, TX, Greg Baker and wife, Susan, of Elon, NC, Teresa Walker of Drexel, Jodi Powell and husband, Scott, of Valdese, and Philip Powell and wife, Holly, of Hickory, NC,; great-grandchildren, Sumer Woods and husband, Matt, Chelsea Foster Jones and husband, James, Jada Spake, Douglas Baker, Sara Baker, Mary Grace Baker, Lauren Baker, Elizabeth Baker, and Tray Garrard Powell.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Henry Martin Baker, Jr.; a son-in-law, Joe Traylor; brothers, Preston Baker, Millard Baker, Ernest Baker, Dan Baker, and Louie Baker; and sisters, Minnie Bartley and Gladys Baker.The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, September 18, 2010 at Drexel First Church of God with Reverends Larry McCaw and Donald Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the NC National Guard. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:30 until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service. At other times the family will be at the residence. Memorial contributions may be made to Drexel First Church of God, P.O. Box 218, Drexel, NC 28619 or to Burke Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28619. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.