Charles Clark (Chuck) Baker, 71, Hope

Charles Clark “Chuck” Baker, 71, departed this life October 17, 2020. He was born March 5, 1949 in Columbus, IN to Elijah Stanley Baker and Ruth Baker.

He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Dr. Eldridge Anderson “Andy” Baker. Surviving relatives are sister Melissa Landau, brother-in-law Stephen Landau, sister-in-law Marilyn Baker, nieces Melinda (Bob) Shryock, Amanda (Ben) Usen, Charis (Joseph) Armstroff and nephew Damon Landau and his wife Lindsay O’Neill, as well as eight great-nieces and one great-nephew.

Chuck graduated from Hauser High School in 1967 and held degrees from Indiana University and Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC.

Often described as a Renaissance man, Chuck had the heart and soul of an artist. He expressed his talent through beauty. He created beautiful things as a tinsmith and woodworker and made things beautiful again through restoration such as the work he did at Zaharakos in Columbus. Chuck became aware of his affinity for working with his hands at a young age. When he was a teenager, he and Andy used to work together on gunsmithing and leatherwork. While in high school, Chuck created by hand a replica of a black powder long Kentucky long rifle such as those used in the American Revolution. He became interested in tinsmithing as a young man while working at Old Salem, the historic center in Winston-Salem.

After finishing law school at Wake Forest, Chuck worked as a defense attorney in Winston-Salem. During this time, he ventured into commercial tinsmithing upon the encouragement of a friend who was impressed with an item Chuck had made for a Revolutionary War reenactment and encouraged him to branch out to more complex creations. He made a chandelier that caught the eye of a decorator who wanted to place orders for more. Ultimately Chuck decided that being a lawyer was not the life for him and eventually returned home to Hope to resume pursuing his true passion as an artisan and craftsman. Over the years, he built a successful career that once included a clientele throughout the Eastern seaboard.

As well as being an exceptionally talented artist, Chuck was an avid history buff. He was proud of his roots as pioneer stock and meticulously kept records of family history which unfortunately were lost in a fire at his ancestral home. He was especially interested in the historical period of the nineteenth century. Established in the early 1800’s, Hope was a perfect environment for Chuck. He enjoyed browsing the Yellow Trail Museum and was in his element taking part in historical events such as Heritage Days.

Chuck was a unique and special individual who will be greatly missed by his family and friends. In honor of Chuck’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Yellow Trail Museum or the Bartholomew County Historical Society. Online condolences can be offered through normanfuneralhome.net.