Larry Dwight Baker

Reverend Larry Dwight Baker, age 79, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, March 30, 2026, surrounded by family. 

Born in 1946 to Wayne and Esther Mae Baker, Larry dedicated his life to service—both to his community and to his Lord. He honorably served his country as a veteran of the United States Air Force before beginning a distinguished career in the fire service. Larry retired as a Lieutenant from the Upper Arlington Fire Division and served with the Jefferson Township Fire Department. Even in retirement, his commitment to supporting first responders continued through his work as a chaplain for Prairie Township Fire Department, Pleasant Township Fire Department, and the Central Ohio Retired Firefighters Association, 4 Unit. 

Larry faithfully answered God’s call to ministry, serving as pastor to two congregations and as interim pastor to four others. He also provided comfort and compassion as a hospice chaplain, walking alongside individuals and families during life’s most sacred moments. 

A lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbus, Larry was baptized into the Lord’s death in 1946 and remained deeply rooted in his faith throughout his life. He served his home congregation for many years as a visitation pastor, bringing prayer, presence, and encouragement to those in need. 

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Gary and David, a sister-in-law, Nancy and his beloved wife of 50 years, Rebecca S. Baker. 

He is lovingly remembered by his son, Ross A. Baker (Shelly); his daughter, Rachel A. Baker (Corey Rose); his grandchildren, Caleb (Rachel) and Jessica (Nick); and his great-grandchildren, Sophia and Ella, with another great-grandchild, Rebecca, expected soon. Sister-in-laws, Beverly Baker and Glenda Baker, Brother-in-laws Robert Orr, Raymond Orr (Lois), and Andy Gardner. He is also remembered by several nieces, nephews, and extended family, friends, fellow firefighters, and the many lives he touched through his ministry. 

Larry’s life was grounded in faith, service, and love. He leaves his family and community with the words of Romans 14:8 (NRSV): 

“If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.” 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 55 Pasadena Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, Box 15 Fund or Central Ohio’s Retired Firefighters Association, 4 Unit.

Larry's family invites you to a visitation on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Rader-McDonald-Tidd Funeral Home, 1355 West Main St., West Jefferson, Ohio, 43162. The visitation will begin at 3:00 PM and end at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Service in Larry's honor will be held the following day, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 55 Pasadena Ave., Columbus, Ohio, 43228. The service will begin promptly at 10:00 AM.