Merrill Woodfin "Bake" Baker, 87 of Lexington Park, MD died July 6, 2011 at Washington Hospital Center. Born September 23, 1923 in Birmingham, AL, he was the fourth child of the late Hicks and Berthel (Manning) Baker. He was raised on the family farm in Dora, AL.

"Bake" (as he was known to most) enlisted in the Navy during WWII. He was assigned to VPB-101 as an aircraft mechanic and aircrew. He flew with the squadron as it progressed from Barber's Point, HI to the Philippines in the Pacific campaign. As with many of the "Greatest Generation", he spoke little of his wartime exploits. During this time, Bake was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, the American Campaign medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign medal.

Returning to the states, Bake was introduced to Elsie Mary Vlacich of Hoboken, NJ by a squadron mate. They married in Hoboken, NJ on September 27, 1947. He brought his new bride to his duty station of NAS Patuxent River and settled in Scotland Beach, MD. The Navy next assigned Bake to a squadron in Key West, FL. They had their first daughter, Karen while in Key West.

Navy assignments had the young couple stationed at NAS Jacksonville before returning to NAS Patuxent River in 1953. Bake rotated between sea and shore duty commands at NAS Pax for the remainder of his naval service when he retired in 1960. During the time period, he and Elsie added to the Baker family, their son, Robert and daughter, Susan.

As many young people do to make ends meet, Bake took a part-time job and tended bar at Rue's Roost for several years. After retiring from the Navy, he worked as a salesman at Aldridge Ford until his final retirement in 1980. He was an avid golfer who spent many hours at Cedar Point Golf course and Breton Bay perfecting his game.

Bake is survived by his wife, Elsie Baker, his daughter Karen Carr (Al) of Fredericksburg, TX, his son Robert Baker (Ingrid) of Annapolis, MD, granddaughters, Lauren Miller (Adam) of Houston, TX, Ashley Carr of Austin, TX, and grandson, Bobby Baker of Annapolis, MD.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Marie Baker.

Family will receive friends for Bake's Life Celebration on Sunday, July 10, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Prayers will be recited at 5:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 11, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 22375 Three Notch Road, Lexington Park, MD 20653. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.