Arthur Wesley Baker, 96, of Southern Pines, died Tuesday, April 14, 2009, at Kingswood Nursing Center, Aberdeen.

Born July 9, 1912, in Irvington, N.J., Art retired from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, and previously had worked in real estate. He had been a president of the Summit, (N.J.) Optimist Club, and was previously a member of the Southern Pines Elks Club. He resided in Southern Pines since 1980. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia E. (Blount) Baker,

Art is survived by his daughters, Suzanne L. Betz and her husband, Fred, of Severna Park, Md., and Barbara L. Malloy, and her husband, Greg, of Framingham, Mass. He also leaves four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, a sister, Muriel Ristau, and a sister-in-law, Beverly Baker.

A graveside service will be held at Bethesda Cemetery at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to your favorite charity in his memory.

Arrangements have been made by Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.