Tipton “Tip” Baker, 82 of Bob’s Creek, passed away Friday, November 16, 2012, at his residence following a long illness. He was a native of Yeaddis, KY and believed in the Church of Christ faith.

Tip attended Berea College and graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with degrees in Elementary Education and Elementary Library Science. As a teacher, he taught in Leslie, Perry, Pike, and Harlan Counties. He also was the Librarian at North Evarts Elementary.

In the many endeavors of his life, Tip sold insurance, was the district manager for World Book Encyclopedias, and was the first Harlan County Judge Executive from 1978 to 1982. He also was the Chairman for the Cumberland Valley Administration from 1980 to 1981, worked in the Safety Department for Bow Valley coal before returning to North Evarts as an Librarian until his retirement in 1995. Tip was also a Kentucky Colonel, and the Harlan County Superintendant for the “Happy Pappy” program in the mid 1960’s.

His hobbies included bee keeping, hunting for raccoons, rabbit, squirrel, groundhog, grouse, wild turkey, and was instrumental in organizing Pine Mt. Chapter of the NWTF.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Taylor Baker and Beatrice Dixon Baker; three children, Sissy Baker, Tippy Baker and little Bill Baker; one sister, Ella Beck and four brothers, Charles Baker, Coy Baker, Henderson Baker and Dewey Baker.

Tip leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 56 years, Patricia Wright Baker, Bob’s Creek; four children, Janie Cooksey and husband Steve, Georgetown; Ben Taylor Baker and wife Karen, Cawood; Ron Baker and wife Debra, Wellington, Colorado; Tara Baker, Short Hills, NJ and four sisters, Francis Hood, Bonneau, SC; Mary Cornett, Slemp, KY; Edith Williams, California and Jean Blecha, Slemp, KY.

Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Brad Hall; Casey Hall; Brittany Major and husband Rodrick; Katelyn Card and husband Chris; Taylor Baker; Chase Tipton Baker and Sydney Baker; two great-granddaughters, Jaliyah Major and Aria Card; two step great-grandchildren, Kaylee and Jalen Major.

A special nephew, Bill Baker, Putney; and special family friends, Don Short and wife Brenda; Shane Short; Carol Corum and Nathan Taylor, also mourn his passing.

Visitation will be 5-9 P.M. Saturday in the chapel of Harlan Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be 2 P.M. Sunday, November 18, 2012, in the chapel of Harlan Funeral Home with Reverend Kyle Burnette officiating.

Burial will be in the Baker-Weaver Cemetery at Bob’s Creek, KY.

Family will serve as pallbearers and his hunting buddies will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers donations are suggested to the Hospice of Bluegrass, or the Chevrolet Missionary Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be left at www.harlanobits.net.

Harlan Funeral Home is in charge of his arrangements.