Galen Baker

Galen E. Baker, 77, of Carlisle, went to be with his precious Lord and Savior on October 16, 2025, in UPMC Harrisburg Hospital. Galen had faced numerous health problems for several years, and he fought to the very end. He was born on March 20, 1948, in Newville, the son of Dean M. Baker and Emma Mae (Negley) Baker.

Galen graduated from Big Spring High School, Class of 1966. Following graduation, he earned an Electronic Technology Degree from Electronic Institutes in 1968. He also attended Penn State University, Berks Campus, Reading, for engineering drafting. His first position as an electronic technician was with the Aerospace Department of General Electric in Waynesboro, VA. Galen returned to PA in 1970 to marry his high school sweetheart, Ruby Joanne Reeder. They celebrated 55 years of marriage on June 20, 2025. Galen designed the layout of electronic circuitry for oscillators and filters for three crystal industries in Carlisle, PA. His last position prior to his retirement was with Flight System Industrial Products as an electronics/ mechanical design engineer.

Galen was a life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church in Newville. He served on church council and played in the bell choir. He was a member and president of the Newville Jaycees; Past Master (1982) and 50-year member of Big Spring Lodge No. 361; co-chairman of the building/construction project in 2009 for Zion Lutheran Church. He served as co-chairman for numerous Newville parades and especially the bi-centennial parade in 1976. He enjoyed using his engineering talents to help design floats for his church to participate in parades.

In addition to his parents, Galen was predeceased by his brothers, Donald L. and Robert D.; a niece, Michelle L. Baker; and his in-laws, Frank A. and Mary E. Reeder. Surviving in addition to his wife, Ruby (Reeder) Baker, are his sister, Nancy C. Baker, Newville; sister-in-law, Judy M. Baker, Carlisle; sister-in-law, Beverly A. Baker, Newville; brother/sister-in-law, Frank E. (Johanna) Reeder, Newville; nephews: Michael D. Baker, Rural Hall, NC; Robert D. (Rebecca K.) Baker, Jr., Newville; nieces: Rebecca D. (James) Hoke, Mount Wolf, PA; Stephanie A. Reeder, Carlisle; great nephews: Kyle D., Aidan M., Bryce R., Colton J., Andrew A., Andrew J., Brayden T., Zackary E.; great nieces: Latisha G., Emily L., Amanda P., Mikayla L., Journee L.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Newville. Visitation will be at 10 a.m., and the service will be at 11 a.m. A reception will follow the service in Zion’s Ingram Hall.

Those who wish to remember Galen in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Zion Lutheran Church, 51 W Main St, Newville, PA 17241.

Those we love don’t go away,

They walk beside us every day,

Unseen, unheard, but always near,

Still loved, still missed, and very dear.