John and Elsie Baker. (Photo: Kimberly Campoli)

by Paul Campoli

John and Elsie Baker celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary August 17. They first met in 1947, and married less than a year later. John says, “When you know something is right and God is in it, you just need to go on and do it.”

Since moving to North Port, Fla., in 1978, John and Elsie have been vital members of Venice Church where church friends and family helped Elsie celebrate her 96th birthday on October 24. Loved by their church family, the Bakers have faithfully supported and joyfully served in various capacities and are likely to be found giving praise to God for the many wonderful blessings He has given them in their life together. John currently serves as a church elder.

Elsie retired from her career as director of a Head Start Program in New York. John is a World War II veteran and a retired U.S. Postal Service employee.

The Bakers’ have five grandchildren and a son who lives in New York. Their daughter passed away in 1991.