Submitted by: Dan Rich
May 7, 1936 - March 1, 1998
South Bend Tribune 3/5/1998
Charles ''Chuck'' D. Baker, age 61, of Lecanto, Florida, formerly of 53221 Berwick Drive, South Bend, died at 10:58 a.m. Sunday in Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, after a brief illness. He was born May 6, 1936, in Chicago, IL to Charles O. and Julie (Evenson) Baker, who preceded him in death. Mr. Baker lived in LaPorte, IN from 1939 to 1969 and in South Bend until November of 1996 when he moved to Florida.
Mr. Baker founded Transfer Drivers, Inc., in 1980 and was the owner of the business until his retirement in 1995 when he sold the business to Morgan Group, Inc. Transfer Drivers, Inc. had more than 400 drivers, was the market leader in the fragmented outsourcing services business focusing on relocating rental equipment for customers such as Ryder Systems, Budget Rentals, and Penske Truck Leasing, and also for delivery of new equipment from manufacturers including Utilimaster, Gruman Olson and Bluebird Bus. He was also involved in other business ventures - founder and co-owner of C&C Cartage until 1975, and worked for Whiteford Driveaway. He was a pioneer in the driveaway business.
On June 22, 1974, in Leeton, MO he married Judy Lynde, who survives. Also surviving is a daughter, Becky Mattair of Mishawaka; three sons, Scott Baker and Keith Baker, both of Lake Placid, FL; Don Baker of Avon Park, FL. Nine grandchildren, Stacy Mattair, Tracy Mattair, Mary Ellen Mattair, Brandon Baker, Keith Baker, Charlie Baker, Blake Baker, Nikki Baker and Ali Parker-Baker. Two sisters, Betsy Koon of Amesville, OH; and Susan Watkins of Chula Vista, CA. One brother, Scott Baker of Troy, NY. Mr. Baker is also survived by many nieces and nephews and a large extended family. Mr. Baker was soon to be a proud great-grandfather. Mr. Baker was member of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Granger, Hoosier Model A Club, Notre Dame Quarterback Club, Elks Club of Ocala, FL, Black Diamond Country Club, Lecanto, FL, and the Hammond 100 Club, Hammond, IN.
Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. today in the St. Joseph Funeral Home, 1827 E Ireland Road, South Bend. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 16791 Cleveland Road, Granger (between St. Rd. 23 and Hickory Rd.), where friends may also call one hour prior to services Friday. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka. Memorial contributions may be made to The Center for the Homeless, 813 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46601; or to the Church.