Fred Eugene Baker

Fred Eugene Baker, 90, of Asheboro, died Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Alpine Health and Rehabilitation in Asheboro.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Dr. Keith Less officiating. Graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026, at St. John's Lutheran Church Cemetery, Conover, NC.

Fred was born May 5, 1935, the son of the late Cecil Lloyd and Exie Viola Hefner Baker. He graduated from Newton-Conover High School in 1953. In 1954 Fred joined the US Army and served his country at Shape Headquarters in Paris, France, as a cryptographer. After his time in the Army, Fred attended NC State University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree, with honors, in Mechanical Engineering. While at NCSU he married his beloved Cordia Belle Sigmon. After college Fred began his career with General Electric.

Fred traveled to many countries around the world, always trying to stop in Hawaii on his way home. He and Cordia moved to Florida during the Cuban Missile Crisis where Fred enjoyed working with the US Navy on jet engines.

After the death of his brother, Glenn, Fred, Cordia and their son, David, returned to NC, locating in Asheboro with G.E. He retired from General Electric / Black & Decker in 1998 after 38 years of service and seven patents.

Fred and his family joined St. John's Lutheran Church in 1965 and attended faithfully until Covid and his declining health.

In addition to his parents and brother, Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Cordia, brothers-in-law, Jack Fulbright, Joe Fulbright, Hal Sigmon, and Johnny Sigmon.

Fred is survived by his wife, Frances Chaney Caviness Baker, whom were married in 2000; son, David Eugene Baker (Susan) of Asheboro; stepson, Toby Caviness (Melissa) of Liberty; stepdaughter, Ginger Hancock (John) of Asheboro; several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren; niece, Teresa Boggs and her children, Jason and Kristy, of Hickory; sister-in-law, Vickie Lineberger of Claremont; brothers-in-law, Birchie Chaney, Bert Chaney (Bonita) all of Asheboro; special cousin, Harold Baker of Conover; and several other nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. at Ridge Funeral Home on Saturday, prior to the funeral service.

Memorials may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 505 Park Street, Asheboro, NC 27203; or to St. John's Lutheran Church, Cemetery Fund, 2126 St. John's Church Road, Conover, NC, 28613.

The Baker family wishes to thank all of Fred's nurses, CNAs, doctors, and staff at Alpine Health & Rehabilitation for all their love and care of Fred Baker.