J.T. Baker's Obituary
J.T. Baker, Jr., our beloved Daddy and Pappaw, went to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, January 21, 2024. J.T. was born July 11, 1928, in Urania, Louisiana, to J.T. and Hazel Chilton Baker.
He was a proud graduate of the 1949 class of Louisiana Tech, graduating as a mechanical engineer. He married Tommie Miller on September 5, 1950 and was happily married for 62 years. J.T. served in the Air Force from 1950-1954. He was a pipeline engineer for Mid-Valley Pipeline for over 30 years, retiring in 1987 as general superintendent.
He then began his second career as the best Pappaw in the world. Not only was he Pappaw to his own family but also to hundreds of children at Spring Hill ISD where he volunteered for 13 years. He read to many classes, tutored children, and helped on many field trips. He was honorary Pappaw to many of his grandchildren's friends and teammates. J.T. was proud to be a lifetime member of Spring Hill PTA. He was also a longtime member of First Baptist Church, Haynesville, LA, and Oakland Heights Baptist Church, Longview. Pappaw truly represented Christian service in the myriad ways that he loved his family, church, and community.
J.T. was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and his sister, Peggy Perryman. He is survived by his children: Gene and Ellen Baker, Lynn and Jerry Kiser, and Larry and Susan Baker; his grandchildren: Angela Baker, Matthew Ware, Michael and Katie Ware, Brent and Dani Ryals, Emily and Chris Jackson, Dustin and Jessica Baker, Sarah and Kyle Urbanek, Rachel and Ben Hall, Matt and Connie Kiser, and Haley and Justin Neufeld; and his greatgrandchildren: Kinzlee, Kade, Reese, Mattie, Lane, Jack Ryan, Venice, Johnni, Sammi, Nora, Phillips, Abigail, Asher, Olivia, Susanna, Charles, Evelyn, Cora, Natalie, Jaycee, Luke, London, and James. He is also survived by his sister Betty Lowe and her husband A.D., and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family would like to express appreciation for the loving care given to our Daddy and Pappaw by Dr. Lawrence Roe, Dr. Walter Beebe, and by his earthly angels: Gladys, Jackie, Arline, Marlena, Amy, Naomia, Kendra, Leah, Queen, Maria, and HeartsWay Hospice.
The family will receive visitors at Rader Funeral Home in Longview on Friday, January 26 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Services will be held Saturday, January 27 at 10:00 a.m. at New Beginnings Baptist Church Chapel in Longview. Interment will follow at Rosewood Park Cemetery in Longview. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Haynesville, LA, or Spring Hill Education Foundation.
What’s your fondest memory of J.T.?
What’s a lesson you learned from J.T.?
Share a story where J.T.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with J.T. you’ll never forget.
How did J.T. make you smile?
