The Detroit native, who moved to the Tampa Bay area in 1973, had a long career in the aviation industry.
By CARRIE JOHNSON
Published March 25, 2004
Russell K. Baker, a retired manufacturing executive and father of St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker, died Saturday (March 20, 2004) at a Safety Harbor hospital following a long illness. He was 78.
Mr. Baker, who lived in Trinity, had a long career in the aviation industry. In later years, he became a general manager, president and member of the board of Aerodyne Investment Castings Inc.
In 1989, Aerodyne became the focus of a federal investigation for making U.S. military aircraft and tank engine parts using scrap metal when specifications called for newly refined metal.
Mr. Baker was acquitted on conspiracy and mail fraud charges, but pleaded guilty to making a false statement and served brief house arrest and paid a $75,000 fine.
He retired in 1990.
A native of Detroit, Mr. Baker served in the U.S. Navy Air Corps during World War II and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands.
He moved to the Tampa Bay area in 1973 and was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Clearwater.
Mayor Baker canceled his scheduled trip to Japan with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to attend his father's funeral, which is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday at Bethel Lutheran, 3166 McMullen Booth Road.
Mr. Baker is survived by his wife of 57 years, Irene; four sons; two brothers; and four sisters.
