Ephraim Baker

Ephraim I. "Eph" Baker, 92, of Montoursville, died on Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007 at his residence.

When they talk about the "greatest generation' they are referring to men like Ephraim "Eph" Baker. Born on October 8, 1914, he entered the life insurance business in 1937. Business was interrupted to serve in the Navy during World War II for 3 years. In 1945, he resumed his career in Williamsport, a career he loved and excelled in for 67 years. He was the owner of the Baker/ Landon Company on Broad Street in Montoursville.

Mr. Baker studied at the American College and earned his degrees as a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC). For Eph, his clients were most important as he provided financial planning to multiple generations of families. Several years ago, he joined forces with Jim Kishbaugh of Danville, thus assuring continuity for his clients.

Mr. Baker was the first and foremost of those years, the only insurance agent in the area to earn the Top of the Table status in the Million Dollar Round Table. To achieve that prestigious level, the members are in the top 1percent in the insurance industry in the world. He earned that status for the last 16 years and was the oldest member in that organization.

Eph served as president of his local Life Underwriters Association, was a national committeeman for the National Insurance Association and was honored with the lifetime achievement award at the Pennsylvania Life Association in 1998.

Many people in Williamsport and the insurance community know of his philanthropic ways. For years, Eph was active in the United Way, the Jewish Federation, CAPPA and various charities in the area. Eph was a major donor to the Million Dollar Round Table Foundation, a charitable worldwide organization that distributes close to $2 million a year to people in need. For the last 18 years, he and his wife Bess have established a scholarship program at Lycoming College. The Eph Baker Family Foundation will provide his legacy in charitable giving for years to come.

Mr. Baker was one of the founding members and president for the South Williamsport Lions Club. In 2006, he was honored by being named a Melvin Jones Fellow by Lions Clubs International to acknowledge his dedication to humanitarian service.

Besides work, Eph was a proponent of exercise and loved sports. He played tennis, walked several miles a day until well into his 70's and continued to be an avid bicyclist until he was age 88.

Eph is survived by his wife Bess of 66 years and two children; Richard H. Baker of Montoursville and Joyce Baker Brown of Potomac, Md. He is also survived by four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Mr. Baker has been a member of the Temple Beth Ha Shalom since his arrival in Williamsport in 1945. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 09, 2007 at the Williamsport Community Arts Center, 220 West Fourth St., Williamsport PA 17701. In observation of the Jewish religion, please, no flowers.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to the Eph Baker Family Foundation, 325 West Touhy Avenue, Park Ridge IL 60068 or to a charity of your choice in Mr. Baker's memory.

Arrangements are being handled by the Allen & Redmond Funeral Home, 331 Elmira St., Williamsport.

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