Gerald Devon Baker was born the son of James Villous Baker and Velma Delores “Rene” (Wiley) Baker on September 19, 1921, in Nettleton, Arkansas and departed this life February 16, 2014, in Batesville, Arkansas at the age of 92 years.
He was united in marriage September 30, 1942, in Willow Springs, Missouri to Wanda Mae Reeves.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda Mae Baker of the home in Thayer, Missouri; one daughter, Donna Baker Fagan of Batesville, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Michael Patrick Fagan and wife, Jessica of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Bryan Christopher Fagan and wife, Amy of Tupelo, Mississippi, and James Matthew Fagan and wife, Aimee of Tallahassee, Florida; seven great grandchildren, Sam, Tolly, Bonnie, Kaylee, Emma, Annelise, and Alice Fagan; one brother, J.W. “Peck” Baker of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; one sister, Marzee Ann Wade of Port Townsend, Washington; one sister-in-law, Joan Baker of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; several nieces and nephews; railroad buddies; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter, Amie Elizabeth Fagan; and one brother, Harold Leonard Baker.
Mr. Baker was a Veteran, serving his country in the United States Navy as a radio school instructor in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Gerald started his career on the railroad in 1942 with the old “Frisco” line. After 40 years of service, he retired as an agent with Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad.
He enjoyed fishing and camping on Spring River, hunting, playing tennis, and making his own creations in his woodworking shop.
Gerald was an active member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church in Thayer and the American Legion. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and loyal friend. He will truly be missed.
Funeral Services will be Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 2:00 PM at the St. Paul United Methodist Church in Thayer.
The family will receive friends at the Methodist Church in Thayer on Saturday, February 22nd from 1:00 PM until time of the service.
Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery at Thayer, Missouri, with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers contributions be made in Mr. Baker’s memory, to St. Paul United Methodist Church in Thayer and may be left at the funeral home.