Leslie Vernon Baker

Leslie Vernon Baker, 88, of Delmar, died Monday, June 23, 2014, at his daughter’s home in Delmar. He was born on April 1, 1926 in Delmar, a son of the late Vernon and Lillie Mae (Shockley) Baker. Les proudly served his country in the US Navy during World War II. After his discharge from the Navy he worked for many years as a truck driver for the Victor Lynn Trucking Co., Eastern Freightways and several other trucking companies. He learned the values of hard work at a young age and enjoyed working on his farm and raising chickens. He also worked for a number of years as a police officer for the Delmar Police Department. He was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Laurel, the Delmar Volunteer Fire Department and the Delmar Ruritan Club. He had a passion for horses and was very involved with harness racing for many years. In his later years, he loved spending winters in Florida with his late wife, Mary Jane. He especially enjoyed spending his Saturday evenings watching gospel music programs on television. He will be remembered as a wonderful grandfather and great-grandfather who remained very involved in the lives and activities of his grandchildren. He is survived by four children, Pat Elliott (Bill) of Florence, S.C., Connie Adkins (Joe Rozin), Bonnie Ellis (Tucker) and L. Daniel Baker, all of Delmar; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Gladys Baker and Elvira Jones; brother-in-law, Bob Jones (Della) and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Mary Jane (Jones) Baker, who passed in 2009; a sister, Melba Baker Hastings; and two brothers, Bob Baker and Carlton Baker. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 26, at Line Community Cemetery in Whitesville. Contributions may be made in his memory to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 32827 Old Stage Rd., Laurel, DE 19956 or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriot’s Way, Milford, DE 19963. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

Leslie Vernon Baker

April 1, 1926 - June 23, 2014