With the new year approaching, I never expected that we would get shocking news. But, we did.
Yes, Steve Baker, the former northern bureau chief for WHIO-TV, passed on New Year’s Eve Day. It brought tears to my eyes and I’m sure many others felt the same. Son Jamie was also saddened.
I would say he was my mentor over the years as our paths crossed many times. The first time I remember seeing and talking to him was when both of us were sent to the scene of a farm accident, which turned out to be a fatality north of Greenville.
The way I figure it, I started in the newspaper business before he did but he was so much better and knowledgeable.
I started in the business in 1967 and went into the newsroom in 1974, I read that he started in 1980. Before that, he was working in radio from what I’ve learned.
I covered Darke County and a little of Miami County as well as the bi-state of neighboring Union City over the years, but Steve covered five different counties as the northern chief, which meant he traveled a lot more than I did. I don’t know how he did it, but he has to be commended for his dedication to the jobs. That is a lot of work.
And he always seemed to have a smile on his face and I’m sure he made many friends with that personality of his. He was truly legendary.
I feel lucky to have ever met him. I guess you could say I idolized him, because I learned something from him by observing his interaction with others.
The way he always had that big camera with him impressed me. I don’t think I would have ever been able to do it. Don’t forget, I’m not technically inclined and he definitely was.
If I read it right, Steve retired from WHIO on April 5, 2024. Then, I lost track of him. The last time I did remember seeing him was at Eikenberry’s IGA in Greenville. I think it was because the grocery store was receiving a special honor. Not sure if I was in there getting groceries or covering it for our newspaper or not. I’ve done too many assignments over the years; it gets harder to recall all of them.
I would be remiss, though, if I didn’t let my readers know that for Jamie’s 40th birthday 10 years ago on Oct. 19, that I secretly invited Steve to the party at the Ansonia American Legion. Jamie did not know about these extra guests, Steve and wife Marty, until they walked into the establishment. Boy, was he happy. He remembers Steve gifted him with a red WHIO dress shirt.. For that, I am forever grateful to the Bakers.
Jamie said he met Steve at Ansonia Middle School‘s Career Day and that’s when he received Steve’s autograph. Jamie said he won’t forget that for the rest of his life.
Steve was a Vietnam War veteran, worked in radio, served on many boards and committees and made a lot of changes over the years, I’m sure with all of the news work he provided. And,. I remember, he always enjoyed patronizing a special restaurant in MInster.
Not only did Steve serve the readership, he still spent time with his family who meant a lot to him. Jamie and I send our condolences to Marty and his other family members. I am certain he loved everyone and everyone loved him. R.I.P. Steve, fly high. You will certainly be missed.
Life’s Reflections:
*****
Jamie and I extend our condolences to the families and friends of: Steve Baker, Penny Perry, Frederick Richard Helmke Laurence Kunk, Carol Simon and Ruth Francis Jordan,
*****
Please pray for Christoph Keller, Evelyn Riffell Sebring, Debbie Isaacs Miller, Carol Good Melissa Anderson, Jim Short, Rick Beam, Kathy Stone Brewer, Carl Francis, Katrina Hoening, Rick Riffell, Vickie Martin, Jim and Amy Hanes, Tom Everhart, Fred Dakin, Carol Paul, Ted McCabe, Tracy Pratt, David Hiestand, Gary Knick, Kierra Reichert, Eddie Cline, Sharon Lapp, Terri Baker Buteau, Judy York, Roxie Thornhill, Sharon Miller, Allen Whittaker, Mike Hopkins, Don Rhoades, Dave Brewer, Clarence “Sam” Wilker, Chuck Cruze, Roan Brubaker, Vic Bothast, Tom Brewer, Todd Anderson, Dawn Dilworth, Carol Schuh, Gloria Hodge, Ralph Byrd, Jeff Brocious, Norma Kretschmar, Beth Davis, Terry Overbay, Terry “T.A.” Anthony, Katie Cothran, Lynne Bruner Hinshaw, Donn Thornhill, Carissa Rodriguez, Kevin Christman, Ivan Christian, Roger Fleckenstein, Bob Jackson, Penny Hopkins, Sherry Lawrence, Evelyn Manning, Kevin Schlechty, Darla Printz Whittaker, Sandy Partin, Sandy Gunckle, Tonya Kelly, Bob Christian, Linda Johnston, Terri Hunt, Patricia Maier, Dan Lockhart, Delores Beisner, Jodi Gilpin Snyder, Charlie Bulcher, Charlyee Severance, Justin Fritz, DeWayne Yohey, Katrina Hoening, Kara Didier, Carl Francis, Don DeBord, Otis Stewart, Slug Midlam, Bob Peters, Judy Collins, Carol Hemmerich, Roberta Hall, Kelly Kelch, Mike Mayse, Nikole Baldridge, Mark Lovejoy, Connie Stachler, Randy Heck, Ronnie Norton David Pretzman, Clinton Randall, Bruce Kaiser, Amanda Mote, Doug Whittington, Neal Gray, Randy Garrison, Kathy Gragorace, Donna Bixler, Cathy Melling and all others who are suffering from other life-altering illnesses.
*****
Happy Birthday:
Jan. 6 to Arnold Riffle, Preston Holton, Matt Leeper, Judy Gibson, Chris Printz, Andrew Waymire, Mike Erwin, Cody Partin and Betsy Cook New.
Jan. 7 to Wendy Sebring Meek, Kathy Cline, Nick Mayo, Chad Beam, Terri Livesay, Chuck Cruze, Barry Bowers, Carrie Ann Shroyer, Patches Trevino, Dianna Paris and Kayla Couchot Scarberry.
Jan. 8 to Julia Easterling, Doug Wentworth, Toni Sink, Chris Brewer and Larry Vititoe.
Jan. 9 to Dwight Leeper, Scott Warren, Tommy Renfro, Tom Livingston and Cheryl Ganger.
Jan. 10 to Jeff Albritton, Elaine Rismiller, Carol Hawkins, Shelly Miller, Marcia Welch Shiffler, Kim Campbell and Russell Clark.
Jan. 11 to Craig Scanlon, Alee Gates, Kurt Schlechty, Bryant Fox Chris Eby and Donald Mong.
Jan. 12 to Kasey Byrd Brandenburg, Tim Berke, Jean Young, Deanna York, Tim Cook, Valerie Kuntzman, Dave Webb, Tricia Oliver Leichty Kendra Brewer, Michelle Dotson, Kelly Hileman, Daniel Saintignon and Meladi Heintz.
Happy anniversary to: Ron and Karen Bailey on Jan. 10.
*****
Think about it: “Remember being happy doesn’t mean you have it all; it means you’re grateful for what you have..”– Author Unknown
