Jerry L. Baker's Obituary
Jerry L. Baker, 74, of Columbia, formerly of Red Bud, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at 11:54 PM, Friday, December 31, 2021 at his home.
He was born October 31, 1947, in Prairie Du Rocher, to Gilbert John and Dorothy Nina, nee Keller, Baker. He married Ruth Ann Otten on April 3, 1971 in Modoc. She survives of Columbia.
He courageously served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. He was an artillery carrier in-country and was honorably discharged as a sergeant. Once he returned home, he worked for 25 years driving a forklift at Snyder General Factory in Red Bud and 15 years as a crane operator at The Material Works in Red Bud. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Red Bud and the American Legion in Prairie Du Rocher.
Once retired, Jerry enjoyed spending time at the family lake fishing for bass and playing poker and euchre with his friends and family. He never met a stranger, he was witty, honest and quite the character. He was mechanically inclined and a jack of all trades with an endless list of projects and improvements. He was a talented water skier in his youth and always enjoyed spending time on the water.
He was a dedicated husband father and grandfather who is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann Baker of Columbia, son, Benjamin (Robyn) Baker of Columbia, daughter, Crystal Chandler of Columbia, grandchildren; Rina, Arilyn, & Karis Baker and Cooper Chandler, brothers; James Baker of Chester, John Baker of Columbia, Jeff Baker of Prairie DuRocher and Gerald Baker of Ruma, along with other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Janeith Schultz.
Visitation will be Wednesday, January 5, 2022 from 4-7:00 PM at Leesman Funeral Home in Red Bud and from 10:00 AM until time of service, Wednesday January 6, 2022 at Leesman Funeral Home in Red Bud. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, January 6, 2022 at Leesman Funeral Home in Red Bud. Fr. Nicholas Fleming will officiate. Interment with full military honors will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, January 6, 2022 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.
Memorial donations are suggested to Songs 4 Soldiers. For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home in Red Bud.
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