Wilber Winston Baker

Wilber Winston Baker, 91, passed away at home in Spring City, PA on July 15, 2026 following a short illness. Born to field ministers George and Selma (Johnson) Baker on an Indian reservation in Ponca City, OK, he was raised in his beloved Iowa. A graduate of Grinnell College and Iowa State University he completed a doctorate in Organic Chemistry at Oregon State University and ultimately made his way to Villanova University where he taught Genetics until his retirement in 2002.

Wil loved books, and history, and books about history including his numerous biographies of Abraham Lincoln. He also loved spending time with his family, gardening (even if the PA dirt was inferior to the fertile Iowa soil), birdwatching, good red wine, British mysteries and dogs. He was a member of the Valley Forge Kennel Club.

Wil was a wise and kind man, known to think before he spoke, choosing the right words to communicate his thoughts. Several years ago he completed a life story book and when asked what his final words of wisdom would be he said, “My advice is to be the best version of yourself that you can be”. He will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Elayne and his 4 daughters Elizabeth Baker (Cyndi Gutierrez), Kathy Lavelle (Jim), Mary Baker (Suzanne Moser) and Rebecca Baker; grandchildren Shannon Lavelle (Jake Zimmerman), Colleen Gable (Matthew), Patrick Lavelle (Tyler), Melissa Drago and Georgia Baker and by his first great grandson, Caleb Rhys Gable born several days before his passing. He is also survived by a sister Mary Joyce Pickett (Leroy) and nieces Pamela Sanhamel (Mark) and Barbara Pickett (David Gill).

A Celebration of Life will be held later this summer. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the American Indian College Fund, www.engage.collegefund.com or 8333 Greenwood Blvd., Denver, CO 80221.