Lee Russel Baker

Lee Russel Baker, 87, of San Diego, CA, passed away Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Sharp Hospice Care Center in San Diego, CA after a brief illness.

Lee was born on September 4, 1936 in Seneca County, to the late Russel and Ama Belle (Inks) Baker.

Survivors include his sisters, Arlene Long of Tiffin, Belva Green of Kokomo, IN, Susanne Kelbley of New Riegel, Grace Sholl of Tiffin, the son he never had, Matt Paulson of San Diego, CA and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Lee was a loving brother to his sisters. He was a 1954 graduate of Bettsville High School and later went on to graduate in 1959 from Boston University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music. In 1967 he earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Tufts University. After graduating he spent a few years in San Francisco, CA. After that Lee returned to the East Coast and took a teaching position in Gloucester, MA, where he taught music and worked as the school guidance counselor for twenty years until his retirement. After retirement he moved to San Diego and started Baker Properties.

Lee was a member of the Bromeliad Orchid Society, American Guild of Organists, and was the Organist for Christ Unity Church in El Cajon; CA. Lee was a world traveler spending time locally and abroad. After Lee’s parents passed away, he took it upon his self to continue to make sure his family still spent time together at their family reunions for a week at a time.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Clara Hill.

The family would like to send a special thank you to his California friends he considered family, and the caregivers who cared for him.  

Graveside services for Lee will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Smith Cemetery in Burgoon. There will be no visitation held at this time. The Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory in Tiffin is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lee Russel Baker, please visit our floral store.