J. Allen Baker

J. Allen Baker, 91 of Friends Cove, passed away Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, at the home of Les and Mary Baker, with whom he resided.

He was born Jan. 26, 1931, in Waterside, a son of the late Samuel E. and Wilma (Replogle) Baker. On July 15, 1951, in Friends Cove, he married Eleanor (Koontz) Baker and she preceded him in death March 30, 1976.

He is survived by two daughters: Kay Baker Smith of Indiana, Sarah A. Garcia and husband Marcelino of Everett; three sons: Jay A. Baker and wife Sarah of Bedford; Charles Baker and wife Jonna of McConnellsburg; Leslie A. Baker and wife Mary of Bedford, 13 grandchildren: Erica, Stephanie, Amy, Alan, and their father, David Smith, formerly of Indiana, Joshua, Samuel, Eleanor, Renee, Lory, Michelle, Carrie, Zane, and Eleanor; 23 great-grandchildren; and one sister Rose Marie Dure widow of Robert of LaPorte, Ind.

He was preceded in death by two sisters: his twin Mary Audrien Baker and B. Jean Wright; two brothers John R. “Jack” Baker and Samuel E. Baker Jr.

A graduate of the Replogle High School, J. Allen was known as the “Galloping Ghost” for his speed as a running back on the football team.

J. Allen along with his wife Eleanor owned and operated a successful dairy farm, Allenor Holstein Farm, as well as a Holstein breeding program. He was a four time Pennsylvania Alfalfa Grand Champion. He served on the Bedford County Conservation District Board for 23 years, and was the President of the Bedford Senior Citizen Center for many years and was also on the advisory council for the tri-county area. He was also a member of the Bedford County Garden Club, and Bedford County Holstein Club.

Some things he enjoyed were gardening and his flowers, being involved in 4H, and was an avid Penn State Football Fan. In his later years he spent time being the attendant at Quick n Easy Autowash in Bedford.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church, in Bedford, with Pastor Raymond E. Short officiating. Burial will be at Friends Cove UCC Cemetery. Friends will be received at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, Bedford, one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church.

Our online guest book is available at http://www.berkebilefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of J. Allen to the Old Friends Cove Double Brick Church, Carol Callihan, 2923 Centennial Road, Bedford, PA 15522.