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8/5/1921 - 8/2/2014. John Richard Baker, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend died Saturday, August 2, 2014 after a full and happy life. His death occurred four days prior to his 93rd birthday. John was born to John Siess and Mabel Spicer Baker in Polo, Missouri. He lived on a farm and was educated in a one-room schoolhouse as a young boy. John had always known that he wanted to be a civil engineer, and he graduated with an engineering degree from Ohio State University in 1948. His college years were interrupted by World War II, where, among other things, he assisted with designing and working on the Al-Can Highway. After the war, he married his life's sweetheart, Gay Alexander, and began a working career with Howard Needles Tammen and Bergendoff, that continued until age 70. His career took him from New York City, to Kansas City, to Baton Rouge, to Atlanta, and back to his beloved Louisiana, in Baton Rouge. John and Gay's marriage lasted for 50+ years, until Gay predeceased him in 1999. A lifelong musician with a magnificent singing voice, John sang with his church choir for 40 years. He was also an accomplished trombonist. The most humble and modest of men, John's engineering career included design work on the Atchafalaya Causeway, the Mississippi River Bridge and the West Bank Expressway in New Orleans, among many other projects. He is survived by his loving children, daughters and sons-in-law Ellen Baker Sanborn and Robert Sanborn of Houston and Sandra Baker Jordan and Steve Jordan of Lake Charles, and son and daughter-in-law Stephen Douglas Baker and Carol Baker of Lafayette. Other surviving family members include grandchildren and grandchildren-in-law Stephen and Ashley Baker, Courtney and Jason James, John and Ellen Baker, George and Kelly Jordan, Kathryn and Carey Clifton and Virginia Sanborn. Great grandchildren include Alex Baker, Rose Baker, Holt James and William Baker. Surviving siblings include Eloise Spray of McConnelsville, OH and Carolyn Iamon, of Bainbridge Georgia. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be Thursday, August 7, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at Broadmoor Methodist Church at 10230 Mollylea Drive, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70815. Please come and join the family in celebrating the life of this amazing and beloved man. For those wishing to make a contribution in John's name, the family would be grateful for donations to Broadmoor Methodist Church.
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5 Entries
John will never be forgotten by anyone who knew him.
Kent Spillman
Friend
July 29, 2023
Ellen, Steve, and Sandie,
I have been thinking of y'all a lot lately.I have tried to get in touch with Sandie for quite some time, and I just happened to get on the internet to search again when I saw that your Dad had passed away. I have such wonderful memories of him and your Mother when we were all living on Burgess Street. He was such a gentle giant! So thankful he lived such a long and meaningful life. All of you, and your Mom and Dad, hold such a special place in my heart.
Gayle Drake Ellis
August 20, 2014
Mr. Baker was a mild mannered, sweet spirited person. He always had a genuine smile day in and day out. Knowing him was surely a pleasure.
August 6, 2014
Daddy John was a sweet and kind man and this legacy lives on through his sweet and kind family that I am blessed to know. I traveled to Puerto Rico with Daddy John and had the pleasure of experiencing swimming with him. From what I understand this was a first in a long time for him. I will never forget that look of delight when he first entered the pool. What a lucky family to have had him in their lives. My thoughts are with you. Love, Lise
Lise Valbert
August 6, 2014
John not only built physical bridges, he built bridges of love to everyone who knew or were touched by him. I am blessed to have known him and his family. He lives in many hearts. My thoughts are with you. Kent
Kent Spillman
August 5, 2014
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