Rogers Post Baker

Rogers P. Baker, age 70, beloved husband and father, died at home on Monday, March 13, 2006, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born November 7, 1935 in Bradley, Arkansas, LaFayette County, to the late Carl and Ruth Starling Baker, Sr. Roger graduated from Bradley High School in 1953 and attended Southern State College in Magnolia, Arkansas. He served in the U.S. Army, was inducted in Ft. Smith, Arkansas and was stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict, as a Specialist-4. On September 22, 1956, he was united in marriage to Betty Carol Twitty, his childhood sweetheart, in Bradley, Arkansas. They would have celebrated their 50th Anniversary this September. Rogers and Betty moved to Longview in 1960 after he got out of the Army. Rogers became partners with his brother, Carl Baker, Jr., in the Gas Engine Compressor Service in 1962. Mr. Baker was a member of Greggton United Methodist Church, and a member of the Welmaker Sunday School Class. Rogers? generosity, kind heart and resilience of spirit were an inspiration to his wife, children, grandchildren and all who knew him. He lived his life with integrity and bravery. His faith in God was strong, lifting him above the pain and illness he endured for 40 years. He enjoyed the fellowship of his church and Sunday School Class. Rogers? gentle love for his family and friends, and his sense of humor through good times and bad, were a joy to all. He seemed to always have a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. His intellect and his curiosity about life attracted friends and strangers alike, and led him to become a world traveler with his wife, Betty, at his side, and often with other members of his family. They enjoyed going back to Germany where he was stationed when they were first married. He also enjoyed golfing, snow skiing, boating and water skiing with their grandchildren and with friends. He was preceded in death by his son in law, Jonathan Decherd. Rogers is survived by his wife, Betty; daughters and son in law, Sandra Carol Turner and John of Hallsville, and Kimberly Lynn Decherd of Longview; 5 grandchildren, Lindsay Turner, 17, Leslie Turner, 13, Zachary Turner, 8, Danielle Decherd, 10, and Mallory Decherd, 7; brother Carl Baker, Jr. of Longview; sister and brother in law Martha and Dale Massey of Granbury, Texas; nieces Karen Hailey, Ann Lee, Donna Coulter, and Marilyn Massey; nephews Don and David Baker. Funeral services for Mr. Baker will be 2 PM Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at Greggton United Methodist Church with the Reverends Jonathan Bynum and Emmett Barrow officiating. Visitation will be from 6-8 PM Tuesday at Rader Funeral Home. The family would like to thank the many wonderful Doctors and nurses that provided the wonderful care over the years and a special thank you to Greater Hospice of Texas for their help and support. Donations can be made to Greggton United Methodist Church.

Rogers Post Baker

November 7, 1935 - March 13, 2006