Jesse Ray Baker
May 29, 1919 - July 4, 2005
Jesse Ray Baker, 86, passed away July 4, 2005, in St. George, Utah. Ray was born May 29, 1919, in Beaver, Utah to William Jesse Baker and Edna Hutchings. His growing years were spent in Minersville, Utah. His penchant for leadership became apparent at an early age, as he was elected Senior Class President of Milford High School.
In 1937 Ray moved to Bakersfield, California, where he attended Bakersfield Junior College. He later became a CPA. In 1941, Ray married Barbara Bunting. The couple had seven children; they later divorced.
During WW II Ray enlisted in the Army where he served as an aerial photographer. Upon being honorably discharged from the Army in 1946, he returned to Bakersfield and later became a partner in a jewelry store in Wasco, California. He also owned a successful insurance company. He served as a city councilman and as President of the Wasco Rotary Club. He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as Branch President.
Ray moved to Escondido, California in 1956, where he funded the J. Ray Baker Realty Company in 1960. He married Ellen Sonksen in 1962; she preceded him in death. He was very involved in community activities in Escondido and served as President of the Board of Realtors, President of the Escondido Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in bringing the San Diego Wild Animal Park to fruition. He arduously worked with local, state and national leaders to have a section of I-15 built through Escondido.
Ray owned homes in Needles, California and Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Following his retirement, Ray moved to St. George, Utah. In 1992, Ray married Lois Scott Sneed. The couple golfed, traveled and danced, and had many enjoyable times with family and friends. They spent summers in Beaver, Utah at "Bakers' Acres." During his retirement, Ray spearheaded the efforts of the Sons of Utah Pioneers to refurbish headstones at the Beaver City Cemetery. Ray was especially proud of his pioneer heritage and strong ties to Utah.
Ray is survived by his wife, Lois Baker of St. George, Utah; brothers, Lee Baker of Salt Lake City, Utah and Alfred (Maisel) Baker of Provo, Utah; sister Helen Wilson of Fresno, California; six daughters and one son: Jane (Tom) Hogan of Milwaukie, Oregon; Becky (Larry) Loveridge of Kennewick, Washington; Barry (Lee) Baker of Escondido, California; Carolynn Baker of Galt, California; Diane (Earl) Fore of Rio Linda, California; Pamela (Tom) Sortomme of Ephrata, Washington; and Peggy Jackson of Escondido, California. He is also survived by step-children Jill (Royce) Jones of St. George, Utah; Greg Anderson of Baltimore, Maryland and Fred (Susan) Sonksen of Santa Clara, Utah.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 9, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. at the Bloomington 7th Ward Mulberry Chapel. Visitation is Friday, July 8, from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, one hour prior to the services. Internment will follow in the Beaver City Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Metcalf Mortuary.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Legacy House Assisted Living for the care and compassion shown Ray during the last several months.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Sons of the Utah Pioneers.
Originally published July 8, 2005 http://www.thespectrum.com
May 29, 1919 - July 4, 2005
Jesse Ray Baker, 86, passed away July 4, 2005, in St. George, Utah. Ray was born May 29, 1919, in Beaver, Utah to William Jesse Baker and Edna Hutchings. His growing years were spent in Minersville, Utah. His penchant for leadership became apparent at an early age, as he was elected Senior Class President of Milford High School.
In 1937 Ray moved to Bakersfield, California, where he attended Bakersfield Junior College. He later became a CPA. In 1941, Ray married Barbara Bunting. The couple had seven children; they later divorced.
During WW II Ray enlisted in the Army where he served as an aerial photographer. Upon being honorably discharged from the Army in 1946, he returned to Bakersfield and later became a partner in a jewelry store in Wasco, California. He also owned a successful insurance company. He served as a city councilman and as President of the Wasco Rotary Club. He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as Branch President.
Ray moved to Escondido, California in 1956, where he funded the J. Ray Baker Realty Company in 1960. He married Ellen Sonksen in 1962; she preceded him in death. He was very involved in community activities in Escondido and served as President of the Board of Realtors, President of the Escondido Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in bringing the San Diego Wild Animal Park to fruition. He arduously worked with local, state and national leaders to have a section of I-15 built through Escondido.
Ray owned homes in Needles, California and Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Following his retirement, Ray moved to St. George, Utah. In 1992, Ray married Lois Scott Sneed. The couple golfed, traveled and danced, and had many enjoyable times with family and friends. They spent summers in Beaver, Utah at "Bakers' Acres." During his retirement, Ray spearheaded the efforts of the Sons of Utah Pioneers to refurbish headstones at the Beaver City Cemetery. Ray was especially proud of his pioneer heritage and strong ties to Utah.
Ray is survived by his wife, Lois Baker of St. George, Utah; brothers, Lee Baker of Salt Lake City, Utah and Alfred (Maisel) Baker of Provo, Utah; sister Helen Wilson of Fresno, California; six daughters and one son: Jane (Tom) Hogan of Milwaukie, Oregon; Becky (Larry) Loveridge of Kennewick, Washington; Barry (Lee) Baker of Escondido, California; Carolynn Baker of Galt, California; Diane (Earl) Fore of Rio Linda, California; Pamela (Tom) Sortomme of Ephrata, Washington; and Peggy Jackson of Escondido, California. He is also survived by step-children Jill (Royce) Jones of St. George, Utah; Greg Anderson of Baltimore, Maryland and Fred (Susan) Sonksen of Santa Clara, Utah.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 9, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. at the Bloomington 7th Ward Mulberry Chapel. Visitation is Friday, July 8, from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, one hour prior to the services. Internment will follow in the Beaver City Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Metcalf Mortuary.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Legacy House Assisted Living for the care and compassion shown Ray during the last several months.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Sons of the Utah Pioneers.
Originally published July 8, 2005 http://www.thespectrum.com
Jesse Ray Baker
May 29, 1919 - July 4, 2005
Jesse Ray Baker, 86, passed away July 4, 2005, in St. George, Utah. Ray was born May 29, 1919, in Beaver, Utah to William Jesse Baker and Edna Hutchings. His growing years were spent in Minersville, Utah. His penchant for leadership became apparent at an early age, as he was elected Senior Class President of Milford High School.
In 1937 Ray moved to Bakersfield, California, where he attended Bakersfield Junior College. He later became a CPA. In 1941, Ray married Barbara Bunting. The couple had seven children; they later divorced.
During WW II Ray enlisted in the Army where he served as an aerial photographer. Upon being honorably discharged from the Army in 1946, he returned to Bakersfield and later became a partner in a jewelry store in Wasco, California. He also owned a successful insurance company. He served as a city councilman and as President of the Wasco Rotary Club. He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as Branch President.
Ray moved to Escondido, California in 1956, where he funded the J. Ray Baker Realty Company in 1960. He married Ellen Sonksen in 1962; she preceded him in death. He was very involved in community activities in Escondido and served as President of the Board of Realtors, President of the Escondido Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in bringing the San Diego Wild Animal Park to fruition. He arduously worked with local, state and national leaders to have a section of I-15 built through Escondido.
Ray owned homes in Needles, California and Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Following his retirement, Ray moved to St. George, Utah. In 1992, Ray married Lois Scott Sneed. The couple golfed, traveled and danced, and had many enjoyable times with family and friends. They spent summers in Beaver, Utah at "Bakers' Acres." During his retirement, Ray spearheaded the efforts of the Sons of Utah Pioneers to refurbish headstones at the Beaver City Cemetery. Ray was especially proud of his pioneer heritage and strong ties to Utah.
Ray is survived by his wife, Lois Baker of St. George, Utah; brothers, Lee Baker of Salt Lake City, Utah and Alfred (Maisel) Baker of Provo, Utah; sister Helen Wilson of Fresno, California; six daughters and one son: Jane (Tom) Hogan of Milwaukie, Oregon; Becky (Larry) Loveridge of Kennewick, Washington; Barry (Lee) Baker of Escondido, California; Carolynn Baker of Galt, California; Diane (Earl) Fore of Rio Linda, California; Pamela (Tom) Sortomme of Ephrata, Washington; and Peggy Jackson of Escondido, California. He is also survived by step-children Jill (Royce) Jones of St. George, Utah; Greg Anderson of Baltimore, Maryland and Fred (Susan) Sonksen of Santa Clara, Utah.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 9, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. at the Bloomington 7th Ward Mulberry Chapel. Visitation is Friday, July 8, from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, one hour prior to the services. Internment will follow in the Beaver City Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Metcalf Mortuary.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Legacy House Assisted Living for the care and compassion shown Ray during the last several months.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Sons of the Utah Pioneers.
Originally published July 8, 2005 http://www.thespectrum.com
May 29, 1919 - July 4, 2005
Jesse Ray Baker, 86, passed away July 4, 2005, in St. George, Utah. Ray was born May 29, 1919, in Beaver, Utah to William Jesse Baker and Edna Hutchings. His growing years were spent in Minersville, Utah. His penchant for leadership became apparent at an early age, as he was elected Senior Class President of Milford High School.
In 1937 Ray moved to Bakersfield, California, where he attended Bakersfield Junior College. He later became a CPA. In 1941, Ray married Barbara Bunting. The couple had seven children; they later divorced.
During WW II Ray enlisted in the Army where he served as an aerial photographer. Upon being honorably discharged from the Army in 1946, he returned to Bakersfield and later became a partner in a jewelry store in Wasco, California. He also owned a successful insurance company. He served as a city councilman and as President of the Wasco Rotary Club. He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as Branch President.
Ray moved to Escondido, California in 1956, where he funded the J. Ray Baker Realty Company in 1960. He married Ellen Sonksen in 1962; she preceded him in death. He was very involved in community activities in Escondido and served as President of the Board of Realtors, President of the Escondido Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in bringing the San Diego Wild Animal Park to fruition. He arduously worked with local, state and national leaders to have a section of I-15 built through Escondido.
Ray owned homes in Needles, California and Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Following his retirement, Ray moved to St. George, Utah. In 1992, Ray married Lois Scott Sneed. The couple golfed, traveled and danced, and had many enjoyable times with family and friends. They spent summers in Beaver, Utah at "Bakers' Acres." During his retirement, Ray spearheaded the efforts of the Sons of Utah Pioneers to refurbish headstones at the Beaver City Cemetery. Ray was especially proud of his pioneer heritage and strong ties to Utah.
Ray is survived by his wife, Lois Baker of St. George, Utah; brothers, Lee Baker of Salt Lake City, Utah and Alfred (Maisel) Baker of Provo, Utah; sister Helen Wilson of Fresno, California; six daughters and one son: Jane (Tom) Hogan of Milwaukie, Oregon; Becky (Larry) Loveridge of Kennewick, Washington; Barry (Lee) Baker of Escondido, California; Carolynn Baker of Galt, California; Diane (Earl) Fore of Rio Linda, California; Pamela (Tom) Sortomme of Ephrata, Washington; and Peggy Jackson of Escondido, California. He is also survived by step-children Jill (Royce) Jones of St. George, Utah; Greg Anderson of Baltimore, Maryland and Fred (Susan) Sonksen of Santa Clara, Utah.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 9, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. at the Bloomington 7th Ward Mulberry Chapel. Visitation is Friday, July 8, from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, one hour prior to the services. Internment will follow in the Beaver City Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Metcalf Mortuary.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Legacy House Assisted Living for the care and compassion shown Ray during the last several months.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Sons of the Utah Pioneers.
Originally published July 8, 2005 http://www.thespectrum.com
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