- Date Of Death: July 23, 2022
- State: Maryland
Well respected C. Oscar Baker of Mt. Airy passed away peacefully July 23 at Lorien Assisted Living in the town he loved. Oscar celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends on June 24, 2022. He was the youngest of three children born to the late Oscar Lee and Bessie Brashears Baker in Mt. Airy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Earl Baker and sister Mae Lowman. Oscar was married to the late Edith Baker in 1947. He is survived by three sons, Glenn (Kimberly), of Easton, MD, Jerry (Kathy) of Mt. Airy and Dennis (Stephanie) of Roseville, CA; grandsons, Seth Baker (Felicia), Carson Baker (Rheanne), step granddaughter Courtney Votey (Will); great-grandchildren Gabe, Jazmine, Justin, Thaddeus, Aubrynn, Charlotte; and his beloved cockatiel Rufus. Oscar grew up on numerous farms around Mt. Airy and graduated from Mt. Airy High School in 1939. He was drafted into the Army in March of 1943, took basic training in Fort Lewis, WA and was selected for the Army’s ASTP program starting at University of Idaho and later University of Oregon. He was assigned to the 11th Armored Division under Patton’s 3rd where he was sent to England, France and then Belgium where he saw action in the Battle of the Bulge. On January 2, 1945 he was wounded in action and evacuated to hospitals in Paris, France and Scotland. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
In 2002, MAVFC dedicated their new Fire Station to Oscar and recognized his many accomplishments by sponsoring the Past President C. Oscar Baker Rookie of the Year Award given annually at the MSFA convention in June. This award honors a rookie emergency service provider just beginning his/her career. Oscar always strived to make things better for the volunteers throughout the county and state. Through his leadership roles, he taught and mentored many people.
Oscar’s accomplishments were recognized through his induction into the Mt. Airy Hall of Fame, the Carroll County Senior Citizen Hall of Fame, the Maryland Senior Citizen Hall of Fame, and the Maryland State Fireman’s Association Hall of Fame.
All floral offering should be delivered directly to the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Department on Thursday before 5 p.m Mt. Airy (Activities Fund).
