R. Holmes Baker

On Tuesday, May 26, R. Holmes Baker passed away at the age of 90 at the Homewood Retirement Community at Crumland Farms in Frederick, Maryland.

Holmes was born on May 18, 1925 to W. Snader Baker and Helen (Dudderar) Baker on the family farm near Unionville, Maryland in Frederick County.  He was the husband of Emajane (Hahn) Baker, his wife of 66 years.

He graduated from Liberty High School and began farming with his father.  They milked Guernsey dairy cattle, switching over to the more productive Holsteins in the 1950’s.  The dairy herd was sold in 1973 with a new emphasis on replacement heifers and hay production.  It was at this time that he began working for the US Department of Agriculture as a Field Supervisor for the USDA Statistical Reporting Service.  This work was followed by a 25 year tenure with Federal Crop Insurance as a field auditor.

Holmes was a successful businessman and always found time to give back to the community.  He was a charter member and Grand Master of the Linganore Grange, was very active in the Frederick County Farm Bureau, and served 25 years as a local 4-H leader.  He was a member of the Frederick County ASCS Committee and served nine years as a Director of the Maryland and Virginia Milk Producers Association.

He was a life member of the Linganore United Methodist Church where he served as a Sunday school teacher, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and choir member where he loved to sing.  He was an Advisory Board Member for the Libertytown/Union Bridge Bank. He served for years as an election official at the Unionville, Maryland voting station.

Of all the accomplishments in his busy and productive life, he was the proudest of the time devoted to the Frederick Community College where he served as Chairman of the Board for two terms.

He played baseball in his youth, carrying a passion for the game and the Orioles to the very end.  Baltimore Colts football and Maryland Terrapin basketball were also part of his sports cheering section.

Holmes was well liked and appreciated in all the phases of his life.  The lives he touched and the community he served are all the better for him having been a part of us.

His family will miss his strength, his affection and his presence.

Holmes was predeceased by his brother Nevin S. Baker and grandson Nicholas H. Baker. He is survived by his wife, Emajane and their three sons and wives; Rick and Carol, Mark and Debbie and Bob and Ann; grandchildren Natalie G. Kessler (Martin), Alyssa B. Heinz (Brian), Christopher Bushong (Jenny), Michael Baker and Madeline Baker; great grandchildren Mason Kessler, Lily Kessler, Harper Kessler, Rowen Bushong and Conner Heinz; sisters-in-law Albertine Baker and Margaret McEwen; and nieces, nephews and many, many friends.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 4, at 10:30 AM in the Chapel at Homewood at Crumland Farms, 7401 Willow Road, Frederick, Maryland 21702.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Homewood Benevolent Fund, 7401 Willow Road, Frederick, Maryland 21702.