Funeral services for Jesse Lorace Baker, of Lufkin, will be held September 16, 2019 in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.
Anyone who knew him called him “Josh,” “Jess,” or “J.L.” A proud East Texan, a United States Marine, an accountant, a pulpwood hauler, beloved father and youth baseball coach but most of all, J.L. Baker was a good man. There is no higher compliment than to be known as a good man, he once said.
Josh grew up in Groveton to a struggling but hard working and close-knit family. His father did whatever it took to keep his family fed and clothed, instilling a valuable work ethic that he passed on to grateful sons. Every success they enjoyed can be traced directly back to that gift. He graduated from Groveton, High School—Class President no less. He regaled tales of family solidarity and merriment. Trinity County Bakers all lived within walking distance; they engaged and supported each other. Josh never tired of telling about Sunday dinners when they all gathered to play music on a Baker porch among the pines. They didn’t have much; it was a thrill to receive bananas for a birthday gift or the rare pair of new shoes. But they had the love of family. A different time; but who can say it wasn’t better?
J.L. served his country in the U.S. Marines before attending Stephen F. Austin State University, graduating with a degree in accounting. Shell Oil hired him to do payroll at their Houston headquarters. Pretty dapper dude then. He actually drove from Houston to Acapulco with a friend, drank cerveza, and even caught a shark; there’s a photo to prove it. Then, J.L. met Donna Rae Jones. They were married for 49 years during which time Donna made him the best potato salad in the world. Josh adored her and stood by her side until the very last second of their marriage. Had two sons before moving from Houston to Lufkin seeking a better family life. Then they tried for a daughter, got another great son instead.
Despite his slight stature, J.L. played end for the Groveton Indians; he didn’t star much but went on to be an avid Indians fan, hosting one eager son at and dragging his un-eager middle son to Indian stadium to cheer them on. He loved Longhorn football as well. But his true love: baseball. J.L. was a great baseball coach. Well, okay a determined one. He had two hand signals for his batters: “the fist” (hit it) and “the palm” (take it). Hitting advice: “swing level.” He loved youth baseball. His teams won three city championships. His best days among the last were spent watching the Little League World Series.
Josh was always there for his boys, through thick and thin and empty gas tanks. He packed his sons’ memory banks with glorious days at the Camden Hunting Club and Baker property in Carlisle. He taught them all how to shoot, hunt and fish. He and his brothers guffawed about cooking up a “mess o’ fish,” sipped the bilge that is Pearl Lager and just had fun. Josh loved Tex-Mex, raw oysters with Tabasco and crackers both with an ice-cold beer. He loved Waylon and Willie especially the latter’s “Ain’t It Funny How the Time Slips Away.” And so it does.
He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Jeff and Candace Baker, K.C. and Edwina Baker, Matthew and Sarah Baker; grandkids, Kristen and husband Aaron Gary, Kacie and husband Matt Perez, Kristopher Baker, Haley Baker, Kelley Baker, Brandon and wife Christina Wood, Brady Wood; 4 great grandchildren and one on the way.
He was preceded in death by his best friend, Donna Rae Baker, parents, Jesse R. and Erma Baker; brothers, Joe Dan and Gary Baker; little sister, Peggy Sue Baker Perkins; nephew, Ricky Baker; and the Baker’s Dozen as well as too many beloved descendants to list here.
At the end of the day, J.L. was a good man. Save some potato salad for us.
EDITED - obituary written by family, his sons no doubt, thus memorial data has been edited. Full obit may be obtained from Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors - Sept 13, 2019.
Anyone who knew him called him “Josh,” “Jess,” or “J.L.” A proud East Texan, a United States Marine, an accountant, a pulpwood hauler, beloved father and youth baseball coach but most of all, J.L. Baker was a good man. There is no higher compliment than to be known as a good man, he once said.
Josh grew up in Groveton to a struggling but hard working and close-knit family. His father did whatever it took to keep his family fed and clothed, instilling a valuable work ethic that he passed on to grateful sons. Every success they enjoyed can be traced directly back to that gift. He graduated from Groveton, High School—Class President no less. He regaled tales of family solidarity and merriment. Trinity County Bakers all lived within walking distance; they engaged and supported each other. Josh never tired of telling about Sunday dinners when they all gathered to play music on a Baker porch among the pines. They didn’t have much; it was a thrill to receive bananas for a birthday gift or the rare pair of new shoes. But they had the love of family. A different time; but who can say it wasn’t better?
J.L. served his country in the U.S. Marines before attending Stephen F. Austin State University, graduating with a degree in accounting. Shell Oil hired him to do payroll at their Houston headquarters. Pretty dapper dude then. He actually drove from Houston to Acapulco with a friend, drank cerveza, and even caught a shark; there’s a photo to prove it. Then, J.L. met Donna Rae Jones. They were married for 49 years during which time Donna made him the best potato salad in the world. Josh adored her and stood by her side until the very last second of their marriage. Had two sons before moving from Houston to Lufkin seeking a better family life. Then they tried for a daughter, got another great son instead.
Despite his slight stature, J.L. played end for the Groveton Indians; he didn’t star much but went on to be an avid Indians fan, hosting one eager son at and dragging his un-eager middle son to Indian stadium to cheer them on. He loved Longhorn football as well. But his true love: baseball. J.L. was a great baseball coach. Well, okay a determined one. He had two hand signals for his batters: “the fist” (hit it) and “the palm” (take it). Hitting advice: “swing level.” He loved youth baseball. His teams won three city championships. His best days among the last were spent watching the Little League World Series.
Josh was always there for his boys, through thick and thin and empty gas tanks. He packed his sons’ memory banks with glorious days at the Camden Hunting Club and Baker property in Carlisle. He taught them all how to shoot, hunt and fish. He and his brothers guffawed about cooking up a “mess o’ fish,” sipped the bilge that is Pearl Lager and just had fun. Josh loved Tex-Mex, raw oysters with Tabasco and crackers both with an ice-cold beer. He loved Waylon and Willie especially the latter’s “Ain’t It Funny How the Time Slips Away.” And so it does.
He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Jeff and Candace Baker, K.C. and Edwina Baker, Matthew and Sarah Baker; grandkids, Kristen and husband Aaron Gary, Kacie and husband Matt Perez, Kristopher Baker, Haley Baker, Kelley Baker, Brandon and wife Christina Wood, Brady Wood; 4 great grandchildren and one on the way.
He was preceded in death by his best friend, Donna Rae Baker, parents, Jesse R. and Erma Baker; brothers, Joe Dan and Gary Baker; little sister, Peggy Sue Baker Perkins; nephew, Ricky Baker; and the Baker’s Dozen as well as too many beloved descendants to list here.
At the end of the day, J.L. was a good man. Save some potato salad for us.
EDITED - obituary written by family, his sons no doubt, thus memorial data has been edited. Full obit may be obtained from Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors - Sept 13, 2019.
Funeral services for Jesse Lorace Baker, of Lufkin, will be held September 16, 2019 in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.
Anyone who knew him called him “Josh,” “Jess,” or “J.L.” A proud East Texan, a United States Marine, an accountant, a pulpwood hauler, beloved father and youth baseball coach but most of all, J.L. Baker was a good man. There is no higher compliment than to be known as a good man, he once said.
Josh grew up in Groveton to a struggling but hard working and close-knit family. His father did whatever it took to keep his family fed and clothed, instilling a valuable work ethic that he passed on to grateful sons. Every success they enjoyed can be traced directly back to that gift. He graduated from Groveton, High School—Class President no less. He regaled tales of family solidarity and merriment. Trinity County Bakers all lived within walking distance; they engaged and supported each other. Josh never tired of telling about Sunday dinners when they all gathered to play music on a Baker porch among the pines. They didn’t have much; it was a thrill to receive bananas for a birthday gift or the rare pair of new shoes. But they had the love of family. A different time; but who can say it wasn’t better?
J.L. served his country in the U.S. Marines before attending Stephen F. Austin State University, graduating with a degree in accounting. Shell Oil hired him to do payroll at their Houston headquarters. Pretty dapper dude then. He actually drove from Houston to Acapulco with a friend, drank cerveza, and even caught a shark; there’s a photo to prove it. Then, J.L. met Donna Rae Jones. They were married for 49 years during which time Donna made him the best potato salad in the world. Josh adored her and stood by her side until the very last second of their marriage. Had two sons before moving from Houston to Lufkin seeking a better family life. Then they tried for a daughter, got another great son instead.
Despite his slight stature, J.L. played end for the Groveton Indians; he didn’t star much but went on to be an avid Indians fan, hosting one eager son at and dragging his un-eager middle son to Indian stadium to cheer them on. He loved Longhorn football as well. But his true love: baseball. J.L. was a great baseball coach. Well, okay a determined one. He had two hand signals for his batters: “the fist” (hit it) and “the palm” (take it). Hitting advice: “swing level.” He loved youth baseball. His teams won three city championships. His best days among the last were spent watching the Little League World Series.
Josh was always there for his boys, through thick and thin and empty gas tanks. He packed his sons’ memory banks with glorious days at the Camden Hunting Club and Baker property in Carlisle. He taught them all how to shoot, hunt and fish. He and his brothers guffawed about cooking up a “mess o’ fish,” sipped the bilge that is Pearl Lager and just had fun. Josh loved Tex-Mex, raw oysters with Tabasco and crackers both with an ice-cold beer. He loved Waylon and Willie especially the latter’s “Ain’t It Funny How the Time Slips Away.” And so it does.
He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Jeff and Candace Baker, K.C. and Edwina Baker, Matthew and Sarah Baker; grandkids, Kristen and husband Aaron Gary, Kacie and husband Matt Perez, Kristopher Baker, Haley Baker, Kelley Baker, Brandon and wife Christina Wood, Brady Wood; 4 great grandchildren and one on the way.
He was preceded in death by his best friend, Donna Rae Baker, parents, Jesse R. and Erma Baker; brothers, Joe Dan and Gary Baker; little sister, Peggy Sue Baker Perkins; nephew, Ricky Baker; and the Baker’s Dozen as well as too many beloved descendants to list here.
At the end of the day, J.L. was a good man. Save some potato salad for us.
EDITED - obituary written by family, his sons no doubt, thus memorial data has been edited. Full obit may be obtained from Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors - Sept 13, 2019.
Anyone who knew him called him “Josh,” “Jess,” or “J.L.” A proud East Texan, a United States Marine, an accountant, a pulpwood hauler, beloved father and youth baseball coach but most of all, J.L. Baker was a good man. There is no higher compliment than to be known as a good man, he once said.
Josh grew up in Groveton to a struggling but hard working and close-knit family. His father did whatever it took to keep his family fed and clothed, instilling a valuable work ethic that he passed on to grateful sons. Every success they enjoyed can be traced directly back to that gift. He graduated from Groveton, High School—Class President no less. He regaled tales of family solidarity and merriment. Trinity County Bakers all lived within walking distance; they engaged and supported each other. Josh never tired of telling about Sunday dinners when they all gathered to play music on a Baker porch among the pines. They didn’t have much; it was a thrill to receive bananas for a birthday gift or the rare pair of new shoes. But they had the love of family. A different time; but who can say it wasn’t better?
J.L. served his country in the U.S. Marines before attending Stephen F. Austin State University, graduating with a degree in accounting. Shell Oil hired him to do payroll at their Houston headquarters. Pretty dapper dude then. He actually drove from Houston to Acapulco with a friend, drank cerveza, and even caught a shark; there’s a photo to prove it. Then, J.L. met Donna Rae Jones. They were married for 49 years during which time Donna made him the best potato salad in the world. Josh adored her and stood by her side until the very last second of their marriage. Had two sons before moving from Houston to Lufkin seeking a better family life. Then they tried for a daughter, got another great son instead.
Despite his slight stature, J.L. played end for the Groveton Indians; he didn’t star much but went on to be an avid Indians fan, hosting one eager son at and dragging his un-eager middle son to Indian stadium to cheer them on. He loved Longhorn football as well. But his true love: baseball. J.L. was a great baseball coach. Well, okay a determined one. He had two hand signals for his batters: “the fist” (hit it) and “the palm” (take it). Hitting advice: “swing level.” He loved youth baseball. His teams won three city championships. His best days among the last were spent watching the Little League World Series.
Josh was always there for his boys, through thick and thin and empty gas tanks. He packed his sons’ memory banks with glorious days at the Camden Hunting Club and Baker property in Carlisle. He taught them all how to shoot, hunt and fish. He and his brothers guffawed about cooking up a “mess o’ fish,” sipped the bilge that is Pearl Lager and just had fun. Josh loved Tex-Mex, raw oysters with Tabasco and crackers both with an ice-cold beer. He loved Waylon and Willie especially the latter’s “Ain’t It Funny How the Time Slips Away.” And so it does.
He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Jeff and Candace Baker, K.C. and Edwina Baker, Matthew and Sarah Baker; grandkids, Kristen and husband Aaron Gary, Kacie and husband Matt Perez, Kristopher Baker, Haley Baker, Kelley Baker, Brandon and wife Christina Wood, Brady Wood; 4 great grandchildren and one on the way.
He was preceded in death by his best friend, Donna Rae Baker, parents, Jesse R. and Erma Baker; brothers, Joe Dan and Gary Baker; little sister, Peggy Sue Baker Perkins; nephew, Ricky Baker; and the Baker’s Dozen as well as too many beloved descendants to list here.
At the end of the day, J.L. was a good man. Save some potato salad for us.
EDITED - obituary written by family, his sons no doubt, thus memorial data has been edited. Full obit may be obtained from Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors - Sept 13, 2019.
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