Dale R. Baker, 87, of North Whitehall Township, died peacefully Feb. 15, 2019, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg Campus, Bethlehem, surrounded by his loving and dedicated family.

He was the husband of Margaret A. (Regec) Baker for more than 64 years.

Born in Northampton, he was a son of the late Robert O. and Edith (Deiter) Baker Sr.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Catasauqua, where he served on the finance committee.

He honorably served with the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Ticonderoga and when he returned home he became a life member of Fullerton American Legion Post 367.

A 1949 graduate of Catasauqua High School, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Kutztown University, attended Albright College, and Michigan State University to obtain his principal’s certification,

He earned his Master’s degree in education from Temple University and was the principal of Whitehall High School for more than 20 years before retiring in 1993.

Earlier in life he taught, and became assistant principal at East Stroudsburg High School, and also taught at Bangor Area High School.

He was past president of the former Whitehall Exchange Club, and was very active with Whitehall AARP.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Jo Ann Sheesley and her husband, Robert, of Breinigsville, and Carol Brandt and her husband, Don Wilderotter, of Northampton; sons Dale R. of Cicero, N.Y. and David A. and his wife, Kris Ann, of Wind Gap; grandchildren Randi, Bryn, Sydney, Olivia, Sarah, Rachel, Michaelann and Connor; and great-grandchildren Raelynn, Remy and Robert.

He was predeceased by his son Robert A. Baker in 2011, and brothers Robert Jr. and Rodney Baker.

Services officiated by the Rev. Scott J. Paradise will be 11 a.m. on Feb. 22 in Gilbert Funeral Home, 444 Pershing Blvd., Whitehall, where his viewing will begin at 10 a.m.

Interment with Legion Honors will follow in Cedar Hill Memorial Park, Allentown.

Memorial contributions may be presented to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 417 Howertown Road, Catasauqua, PA 18032 or to Whitehall Township Public Library, 3700 Mechanicsville Road, Whitehall, PA 18052.