Thomas Baker

AUSTINTOWN - Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, for Thomas R. Baker, 70, who died Tuesday morning at home, surrounded by his family.

Thomas was born Aug. 18, 1945, in Struthers, the son of Nelson R. and Margaret G. (Finch) Baker.

He was a 1963 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School. Thomas worked for General Motors for 10 years, prior to the start of his career in law enforcement. He worked for the Austintown Police Department as a police officer for 27 years until retiring in 2002 as a detective/sergeant. Thomas was also an Ohio Peace Officer Academy instructor for many years. During his career, Thomas started the Crime Watch in Austintown, which led him to winning the Governor's Award in 1991 for the best crime prevention in the state of Ohio. Thomas was a member of the Austintown FOP Lodge 126. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing and composing music.

Thomas is survived by his wife, the former Dianna Moyer, whom he married April 26, 1969; his sister, Aline Diener of Columbiana; two brothers, Richard D. (Patty) Baker of Ellsworth and David S. Baker of Negley; niece Jennifer Eskandari; nephews Michael Diener, Richard and Matthew Baker and Alex and Sam Moyer; and three great-nieces and two great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, James Moyer.

Family and friends may call Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Andy Kuthy, David Wills, Dr. Patsy Buccino, his staff and patients, Dr. A. Chahine and Dr. N. Patel for all the support and prayers during this difficult time.

Material tributes may take the form of donations to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St. Boardman, OH 44512.

Please visit www.higgins-reardon.com to send condolences to the family.