HARMONSBURG — David E. Baker, 84, of Harmonsburg, quietly passed away Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, at Meadville Medical Center.

Born July 5, 1924, in Conneautville, he was a son of Gerald E. and Jeanette Shellito Baker. He married Mabel D. Roncaglione March 31, 1943, in Linesville.

He was of the Protestant faith.

After 34 years, he retired from General Electric in Erie as a crane operator. David served in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1943 until 1946. He was a mechanic instructor for World War II bombers.

He belonged to the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1194 at the Crawford County Regional Airport. David enjoyed recreational flying and at the age of 18 he earned his pilot’s license.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Mabel D. Baker; a son, Larry E. Baker and his wife, Shirley, of Owasso, Okla.; two grandchildren, Michael E. and Sharon M. Baker of Owasso; two great-grandchildren, Sean and Benjamin Baker; two brothers, Richard Baker and his wife, Pauline, of Saegertown, and Thomas Baker of Toledo, Ohio; a sister, Marlene Patterson of Meadville; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Donald Baker; and a sister, Dorothy Girodano.

Calling hours will be Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Royal-Coleman Funeral Home, 6028 U.S. Highway 6, Linesville.

The funeral will follow the calling hours at 4 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Loren Little of Conneautville Baptist Church officiating.

Burial will be private in Evergreen Cemetery, Harmonsburg.

The family suggests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, Crawford Unit, 464 Pine St., Meadville, Pa 16335.

Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at royalcolemanfh@yahoo.com.