Richard Byrd Baker of Equinunk, PA, died Monday, February 6, 2012 in the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center after an illness. He was 83.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, the former Janet Young. They were married on November 10, 1956.

Born on September 25, 1928 in Abrahamsville, PA, he was the son of the late William and Oressa Bush Baker.

Dick served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Honesdale Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans. Dick was an automotive mechanic, and he also enjoyed woodworking. Dick enjoyed his family and grandchildren above all else.

He is survived by children Karen Sherwood and husband Gerald of Damascus, PA, Timothy Baker and wife Denise of Utica, NY and Tina Diehl and husband Andrew of Damascus; grandchildren Francesca and Katrina Baker, and Marissa and Brett Diehl; sisters Vera Duke of Kingston, NY and Katherine Adams of New Port Richey, FL.

He is also predeceased by a son, Jeffrey Baker; and siblings Bertha Highhouse, Walter, Kenneth, and James Baker.

Funeral services with military honors were held on February 10 at Arthur A. Bryant Funeral Home, Honesdale, PA, with Rev. Lloyd Canfield officiating.

Spring interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Galilee.

Memorial s may be made to the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center Hospice, 1111 East End Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711.