Steve E. Baker, 61, of Rockford, Ohio, died at 10:18 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2015, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he had been a patient.

Steve was born on November 14, 1953, the son of Walter Eugene "Gene" Baker and Meta Pearl Whitehead; Gene preceded him in death in 2010, while Pearl survives in Celina, Ohio. On November 3, 1973, Steve married Bonnie L. McElroy, and she survives in Rockford.

He moved to the Rockford area from the Chatt and Berne areas, and has lived here for the past 42 years. He worked at New Idea in Coldwater, Ohio, and then was employed at the Lima Tank Plant in Lima, where he has worked the past 33 years.

He was a founding member of the National Cur & Feist Association, and was president of the organization for 25 years. He was a very avid hunter and enjoyed wood working. He was a very loving and kind man, and he loved his family - his wife, his daughters, and his grandchildren most of all.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Bonnie, are his two daughters: Holly (Dan) Miller of Convoy, Ohio and Heather Baker of Rockford, Ohio and his four grandchildren: Dylan Baker of Rockford and Daniel, Jordan, and Kaelyn Miller, all of Convoy. Four very close family friends also survive: Josh and A.J. Ford, Corbin Phillips, and Dalton Johnson. Two brothers survive: Jonathan Patrick (Ellie) Baker of Florida and Jeffrey Wayne Baker of Rockford; and one sister: Pamela Baker of Celina, Ohio.

Steve was preceded in death by grandparents Ernest and Inez Baker, father-in law and mother-in-law, Bob and Marge McElroy, his uncle Bob Baker, and his cousin Brian Baker.

Friends and family may call on Wednesday, March 25, from 2:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford. A private graveside service will take place at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be directed to the National Cur & Feist Breeders Association, 114 River Drive, Old Hickory, TN, 37138.

Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com.