Charles Dantae Baker

Charles Dantae Baker went to be with our Lord on Sunday, May 14th, 2023. Charles was born on December 7th, 1945 to proud parents, Walter William Baker and Lizzie (Hunt) Baker of Pompano Beach, FL. He was the 4th of 12 children and learned at a young age the importance of God, family and hard work. At 15, Charles moved to New Jersey to live with his brother, Homer. His school days revolved around academia and sports, especially basketball and football. Charles graduated from Ocean City High School in 1963. Charles entered the United States Army in 1965 and served in the Vietnam War. For his honorable service, Charles was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, a Vietnam Overseas Service Bar and most notably a Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star. He was very proud to have served his country. Following his military service, Charles made his home in Flint, MI where he lived for the majority of his life. In 1968, he married Irma White and soon became a father to John Plaz (Mytisha) Baker, Joseph Paul Baker, Abigail Baker, Levi (Lynette) Baker, Ellen Joanna (Ramoan) Boston, Ryan Lindsay Baker and Special Goddaughter Domincia (Benjamin) Allen. As his children grew up, Charles was a wonderful and loving father who shared many precious memories and experiences with them. Whether it was annual family vacations, sporting events, graduations or other special occasions; he was there. Charles was also a wonderful grandfather to DeQuandra (Eric) Baker-Williams, Jalisa Baker, John Baker Jr., Kailyn Smith Baker, Jacoby Dantae Coleman, Asia Boston, Camron Levi Baker, Christian Baker, Mikayla Baker, Anney Walker, twins Londyn & Landen Baker, Destiny Bacon, Larry McLemore III and Charles Galvin IV. He was also blessed as a great-grandfather to DeMarius Baker, Kariem Williams, Christian Williams, Jonathan Prince, Jordyn Prince, Jaye Prince, Briella Baker, Zeniah Baker, Mason Baker and Kamari Walker. Charles was employed by General Motors for 32 years where he made many lifelong friends. While working for GM, he acquired his associates degree. He was also a builder for 40 years; building and remodeling homes and businesses throughout Michigan. Charles was respected for treating his customers as family and prided himself on getting the job done right. He was a no-nonsense man that took care of business by demonstrating the strong work ethic that he modeled and instilled in his children. For the past 20+ years, Charles and Laurie built a wonderful life together, marrying in 2010. As a result of their union he gained another daughter Rachel (Jamie) Scott. Charles and Laurie worked together and traveled, but mostly loved enjoying each other's company in their home. In 2020, they moved to Florida and settled into a community where he was often found swimming, playing ping pong with friends, going to the casino, riding his bike while singing Gospel music or sitting on the porch enjoying God's blessings. Charles' passion was watching sporting events, often while talking to his children and family while doing so. He loved watching all sports, but football and basketball held a special place in his heart. Charles was not a fair-weather fan and would support his Michigan sporting teams even during the bleakest of seasons. He would often break out into a cold sweat anticipating the game. If the team didn't meet his expectations, he would jokingly say, "they weren't worth a dime." Charles was a wonderful cook and was often asked to lend a helping hand at the grill or in the kitchen; baked beans and macaroni and cheese were his specialties. He enjoyed having fun and with his great sense of humor and big smile, could light up any room he walked into. He will be remembered as a gentle giant who never met anyone he didn't like and no one was a stranger. Charles made friends easily and impacted the lives of everyone who knew him as a man who valued faith, family and friendship. Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers; Homer (Ann) Baker and Roosevelt (Sherri) Baker, sisters; Leola Taylor, Viola (Carl) Rouse and Carrie Baker, brother-in-law; Scott (Gina) Anderson, sister-in-law; Nikki (Kris) Hulsebos, nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of relatives and devoted family friends. Charles was preceded in death by by his son; Ryan Lindsay Baker, his parents; Walter and Lizzie Baker, Sisters; Maggie Baker, Rosemary Baker and Nettie Baker, brothers; Walter Baker, Abraham Baker and Claude Baker; and sister-in-law; Lisa Foster. "He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much." -Bessie Anderson Stanley

Charles Dantae Baker

December 7, 1945 - May 14, 2023