“beloved husband, father, and grandfather”

HUNTERSVILLE, NC—Willard Eric Baker, 80, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, near his home in Huntersville, NC.

Eric was born on July 11, 1942, in Wilmington, Delaware, to his parents Frances and William Baker.

He graduated from H. Fletcher Brown Vocational High School in Wilmington.  In 1962, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, and honorably served as an airplane mechanic for 4 years.

Upon his release from active duty in 1966, he attended flight school and worked as a commercial airline pilot for 44 years.  The primary airliner he flew was the Convair 580.  After he reached the required maximum age to serve as an airline captain, he worked as a flight engineer on Boeing 727s.

Eric is survived by “the love of his life” Donna, whom he met nearly 30 years ago, and later married.  They had a close and loving marriage and had lived together in the Charlotte and Huntersville area since 1997.

Eric is also survived by his three sons, Eric, Andy, and Billy, and his stepson, Erich.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Chase, Jennifer, Katie, Landon, and Brynn, and his step-grandchildren, Alex and Andy, who fondly called him “Eek.” 

Eric loved to read books.  In addition, his other hobbies included cars, motorcycles, working on his home, antiquing, and traveling.

Private funeral services will be held on Monday, June 12, 2023, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.  Eric will be laid to rest in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or another charity or worthy cause of your choice.

Eric’s family entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Eric, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.