PORTSMOUTH—Otho Jerome Baker, 94, passed away May 13, 2024. He was born January 20, 1930, in Mount Braddock, PA, to the late Otho Minard Baker and Laura Sosinsky Baker.

Otho was the oldest of five siblings, who grew up all over the country thanks to his father's service in the US Navy.  Otho followed his father in military service, enlisting in the US Army in 1948 while still a senior at Cradock High School.  Upon graduation, he traded his cap and gown for Army fatigues and boot camp.  His ten years of service took him from the warm sandy beaches of Oahu to the cold windswept shores of Iceland on the edge of the Arctic Circle, and as luck would have it, far from the conflict in Korea on the flip of a coin…TWICE!

Otho returned to Portsmouth after his military service and began working at Sears Roebuck on High Street, where he went on to manage every individual department (starting in Draperies) before managing the entire store. He reveled in his time there and often recounted (with a grin) the many creative, eye-catching sale displays and witty marketing campaigns he designed and executed over the years.

As stores grew larger, Otho returned his focus to the department he knew so well, draperies & window coverings, where he would spend the remainder of working years.  In those early days, Otho was not just the salesman, but also the installer – out of necessity. Quick to see a business opportunity, he soon began offering his installation services to other department stores and interior decorators and went on to become one of the most respected and sought after installers in the window dressing business.  In fact, if you know of any home or business from Hampton Roads to Williamsburg that has custom drapes, venetian or vertical blinds, cornice boards or window swags, chances are Otho installed them (and one of his children steamed them under his watchful eye to ensure they hung perfectly).  Otho loved his work and never really wanted to stop, but finally retired at the spry age of 80 years old.

Otho was lucky enough to find love and marry twice during his life and raise six children, three boys and three girls, quickly earning the moniker "The Baker Bunch."  No matter the challenges that arose, Otho was always kind, soft-spoken and studied husband and father.

Otho drank in words, whether in a poem, encyclopedia, novel or crossword puzzle.  Most family gatherings usually ended with all of us sitting around the kitchen table listening to him rattle off the clues of a crossword puzzle and remind us to "jump in if you know it."  Otho also loved to watch old black and white films and was quick to quote poetry or sing a song for all who would listen.

Otho had a quiet confidence about him.  He knew who he was, what he thought and what he would or would not do, but he never pressed his ideas onto anyone else.  He asked you questions, taught you how to think on your own and decide for yourself.  People remember how others make them feel, and as a father he made you feel heard, important, worthwhile, loved, accepted and safe.  He was a tremendous father and honorable man, who is missed very deeply.

In addition to his parents, Otho was predeceased by both his wives, Barbara Baker in 1974, and Evelyn Baker in 2015; his sons, Jay & David Baker; his grandson, John Jones; and his brothers, James & Keith Baker. Otho's legacy lives on, however, in his three daughters, Heather Harrington, Barbara Jones (Robert Carter) & Tracy Weiss (Darren Nucci); his son, Michael Gilstrap (Carmen); his grandchildren, Arielle Stromberg Reinitz (John), Claire Weiss, Camille Weiss & Kyle Gilstrap (Kelli); and his great-grandsons, Owen Noles & Aiden Coleman.  He is also survived by his sisters, Carol Loyer & Velma Nottingham (George); his sister-in-law, Beth Baker; his nieces, Joanne Baker (Randy Painter), Lara Mortimer (Leon), Brooke Howell (Connor) & Nicole Baker; his nephews, James Baker (Jane) & Brent Nottingham; and his special cousin, Bill Kinsell.

The family offers very special thanks to some amazing people who cared for, loved, and ministered to Otho in his final years.  To Vivecca Morgan & Jakeia White, the wonderful caregivers who helped make the last years of Otho's life not only more comfortable, but also more meaningful and enjoyable. We are forever grateful to you both! To Tara (Interim Hospice), Otho's hospice nurse extraordinaire, who always brought an elevated level of care and compassion to both him and us. You are the Gold Standard of care!  To Sherita, Otho's hospice social worker & Chaplain Darren (both w/ Interim Hospice), tireless advocates & dear friends, you helped us more than you could possibly ever know.  Each one of you will forever hold a very special place in our hearts.

A graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 3920 Airline Blvd., Chesapeake. Anyone planning to attend, please consider wearing overalls in Otho's honor.  Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.