NORTON -- Joseph E. Baker, 84, went home to be with his Lord on July 29, 2009. He was born in Johnstown, Pa., grew up in Akron and had resided in Norton for the past 30 years. "Doc" was proud to be a World War II Navy veteran where he was a gunner on a PT boat in the South Pacific. After serving, he earned a business degree at Tri-State University. He was a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. "Doc" was blessed with a career he loved and enjoyed for many years. He practiced in Kenmore for 36 years. “Doc” enjoyed golf, bowling and conversing with everyone in his path: he never met a “stranger!” He was a lifelong member of the Slovak Catholic Sokols and the former S.S. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church. Preceded in death by his parents, Julia and Joseph Sr.; sister and brother-in-law, Millie and Phil Durosko; and brother, John (Shirley) Baker; he is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Charma; daughters, Patricia Baker and Theresa (Roy) Ferguson, all of Akron; son, Michael (Ky-Ann) of Orlando, Fla.; grandchildren, Shannon Baker, Shawnna (Mike) Rinn, Rachel Ferguson and Mikayla Baker; great-grandchildren, Taylor and Andrew Rinn; sisters, Ethel Baker and Elaine (Jude) Eberhardt; brother, Edward (Marcille); and many nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Monday, August 3, 2009, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Fr. Robert Jackson celebrant. Calling hours Sunday, August 2, 2009 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the SILVA-HOSTETLER FUNERAL HOME, 1199 Wooster Rd. West, Barberton, where prayers will be led by Pastor Chris Underation on Monday morning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will take place 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2009, at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Sokols Scholarship Fund, 888 W. Hopocan Ave., Barberton, OH 44203.