Ed was born in Indianapolis, Indiana and grew up in Albany, Indiana. He was a lifeguard at the local Albany pool as a teenager. He was very active in the Boy Scouts as well.

As a child visiting his grandparents the Wilhites in Crawfordsville, he began to have interest in his grandfather's printing business.

When he graduated from New Albany High School in 1938, he moved to Indianapolis where he started working in the printing department of the Indiana Farm Bureau Coop Association. He served in the US Army during WW2. After his 4 years in the service he went back t the Farm Bureau Co-op. After leaving the cop Ed spent a couple of years gaining experience with his printing trade. He started the Ed Baker Printing Company. Ed's business grew and for 40 years his business was very successful. Ed was very active in the Indianapolis Westside and Avon Optimist Club. He held various offices at the club level as well as district and state levels. He served as Governor of the Indiana District in 1974-1975. He had two activities he enjoyed, one being bowling. He was on several Bowling Leagues throughout his life. Golf was another activity he loved. He joined the Indianapolis Country Club in 1978 where he played golf regularly.