Luther Dyer Baker, Jr.

     Luther Dyer Baker, Jr., 78, of Canvas, WV, passed away peacefully at home on December 7, 2023, following a lengthy illness. Luther was born in Fenwick, WV, to Luther and Vada Baker on September 28, 1945.

      He was a graduate of Nicholas County High School, West Virginia University and the University of Tennessee. A lifelong advocate of education, Luther began his career as a math teacher at Richwood High School and retired as Superintendent of Schools for Nicholas County. Luther authored four books about local history: Richwood (Images of America); A Salute to the Richwood News Leader: The First 20 Years, 1946-1966; The Cranberry Wilderness Story; and Ely-Thomas Lumber Company: Growing Up in a Lumber Town, Fenwick, WV. He found joy in writing, fishing, wildlife and the land, watching hummingbirds from his porch, woodworking, music and photography.

      He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles and his wife Emily Baker; brother, Ralph and his wife Barbara Baker; and his nephew, Eddie Baker.

      He is survived by his wife Kathy of Canvas, WV; sister Karen and her husband James Roberts of Canvas, WV; daughter Amy Baker of Canvas, WV; son Ben and his wife Gabrielle Baker of Mt. Airy, MD; son Zachary Baker and his partner Charles Waite of St. Louis, MO; daughter Molly and her husband Joe Halstead of Santa Fe, NM; stepdaughter Erin and her husband J.B. Miller of Richwood, WV; stepdaughter Molly and her husband Randy Antonk of Morgantown, WV; granddaughters, Isabella and Eliza Baker of Mt. Airy, MD; step-grandchildren Aiden, Adrianna and Avery Miller of Richwood, WV; nieces Teri Poff and Patty Clevenger; and nephews Mike Baker, Jeff Baker, J.B. Roberts and Andy Roberts.

     A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, December 10, 2023, at 3 p.m. with Rev. Joan Stewart officiating at White Funeral Home, 700 Broad St., Summersville, WV. Family and friends may visit an hour prior to the service.

      In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Richwood High School, Richwood Public Library, Hospice Care of West Virginia or a wildlife charity.    

      Condolences may be made to the family at our website

www.whitefuneralhomewv.com

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