Mrs. Wilma LeVan Baker, Woman Leader, Dies at 76

Funeral services for Mrs. Wilma Sinclair LeVan Baker, a member of one of Steubenville's most distinguished families, will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the McClave Funeral Home chapel. The Rev. Dr. Charles W. Fulton, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Union Cemetery. Calling hours at the McClave Funeral Home are from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. today.

Mrs. Baker, whose talents and accomplishments were many and varied, died about 11 p.m. Friday at her residence, Kenmarr Apartments, Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh. Death was attributed to an apparent heart seizure.

WROTE BOOK ABOUT FATHER
In later life after an eminent career in the financial, political and civic life of the community, Mrs. Baker turned author. She published in 1961 "Father And His Town", the story of her father, Dohrman J. Sinclair, and his community, Steubenville.

In a series of narrative sketches and personal memories, Mrs. Baker in her book how her father's resourcefulness, courage, imagination and respect for Steubenville promoted the economic and cultural welfare of its citizens.

Her reason for writing the book, Mrs. Baker said was "to tell something of my father's humanity, his vision, and his driving energy, which overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles and translated vision into reality."

In 1957, Mrs. Baker published "The Silk Pictures of Thomas Stevens", which grew out of an interest prompting her to gather one of the most complete collections of Stevens' third dimensional woven pictures, many of them preserving scenes and onjects of historical significance.

Mrs. Baker, born April 7, 1887, in Steubenville, was educated in Steubenville public and private schools, and at Ogontz School, Elkins Park, Pa.

WENT ON AFRICAN SAFARIS
As a girl she starred at tennis and later continued her interest in the out-of-doors by going on several African safaris. She lectured on her travels, using stereo-realist pictures which she took herself.

At home she filled many positions of responsibility as an officer or trustee of business and professional organizations, of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and of philanthropic and church organizations.

Like her father, Mrs. Baker was a staunch Republican. She founded the Ohio Council of Republican Women, served as Republican National committee woman for Ohio and was active as delegate to various Republican National conventions, where she advocated important legislation.

REOPENED CLOSED BANK
Most notable of her achievements were her bank activities. WHen the Union Savings Bank & Trust Co., which her forebearers had founded, closed during the depression in the early 30's she was chosen chairman of the committee to reopen the bank. FOr eight of 10 years which she devoted to its welfare she was president at a time when a few women held top level posts in the business world.

Mrs. Baker was married in 1909 to Garrett B. LeVan, vice-president and general manager of the LaBelle Iron Works, now Wheeling Steel Corp. Mr. LeVan died in 1943.

Later, she married Walkter H. Baker, founder and president of Universal Cyclops Steel Co. SInce his death in 1951, Mrs. Baker devoted herself to travel and writing.

She leaves a son, Garrett B (Gary) LeVan of Warren, Ohio, who was an All-American half-back on the 1936 Princeton football team. Mr. LeVan also starred for Steubenville's Big Red football teams during his high school days.

Other survivors are a sister, Mrs. Howard H. Minor of Steubenville; a brother, Dohrman J. Sinclair of Steubenville, four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Her parents were Dohrman J. and Mary Donaldson Sinclair.

Mrs. Baker was a member of the Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh.
*****The Steubenville Herald Star, Monday, May 6, 1963*****