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DENTON – Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and First Lady Yumi Hogan slipped into Moore Funeral Home in Denton without fanfare to pay their respects to the family of James Ormand Baker, as his body lay in state.
Baker, 93, of Denton died Tuesday evening, Oct. 14. His simple half-hour funeral at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, was preceded by an hour-long visitation.
A member of the Caroline County Republican Central Committee for only a few years, Baker’s service was attended by numerous elected officials, who spoke of Baker’s legendary energy on display just days before his passing. At least two described him as the “energizer bunny.”
Beside his casket was a large wreath decorated with red, white and blue flowers, as well as a resolution from the Maryland Senate, sponsored by Sen. Johnny Mautz (R-37), expressing the “respectful condolences” of the entire membership.
Mrs. Hogan was influential in Baker’s being honored by the Korean Embassy, who sent emissaries to his funeral. In June 2025, he was awarded the “Ambassador for Peace Medal” by the Korean Consul General of the Korean Embassy.
Attending the funeral were Col. Kim of the Embassy’s Defense Attaché Office and another official, who were greeted by Mrs. Hogan.
Baker entered the U.S. Army in 1952 as an infantryman, serving a combat tour in the Korean War and earning a Purple Heart. Following the armistice, he served a second tour in Korea.
“South Korea is eternally grateful to the U.S. to this day for taking the lead in getting the United Nations involved” in the Korean War, said David Baker, who, like his father, also served in Korea during his 20-year Army career.
Also attending the funeral were Del. Jeff Ghrist (R-36); Del. Tom Hutchinson (R-37B); Caroline County Commission Vice President Larry Porter; Caroline County Sheriff Donald Baker and Chief Deputy Captain Rodney Helmer; Caroline County State’s Attorney Sloane Franklin; Denton Mayor Abigail McNinch and Town Administrator Scott Getchell; Joanne Smith, chief of staff for Del. Jay Jacobs (R-36); Caroline GOP chairman Julie Quick, among others.
Smith’s husband Hugh Smith called Baker a “warrior,” who was able and willing to help post large 4-foot by 8-foot 2024 campaign signs “even in the heat of summer.”
Three days before his passing, Baker volunteered for a GOP event in northern Caroline County before heading to Cambridge for Hutchinson’s fundraiser.
“He just cared about so many people, and he was really just passionate about our party and supporting our party,” Hutchinson said at the reception following the service at American Legion Post 29 in Denton. “But I don't think he would say a bad word about a Democrat, either.”
The Rev. Joe Smith officiated at the funeral and spoke fondly of his longtime friend and neighbor “Ormand.”
Smith spoke of Baker’s deep Christian faith, his love for his family and Caroline County, his appreciation of gardening and sharing its bounty, and his affection for God’s creatures and the great outdoors.
Baker’s remains will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
