Jack Winston Baker

August 12, 1932-November 6, 2018

Jack was welcomed into his eternal home with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, November 6th. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family during a hospitalization for a disease, pulmonary fibrosis, he fought valiantly for 4 years.

Jack was born August 12, 1932 in the Park Springs Community of Sulphur Springs, Texas to Henry & Dea Baker. He was the 7th child born to this farming family in the middle of the depression. In the final weeks of his journey, Jack often quoted Job 11:12 to describe his early years as having been “born like a wild ass’s colt” when referring to his youthful mischief. He also witnessed to each and every contact, saying “the Bible says, you must be born again”. It was important to him to invite everyone to the relationship he’d had with Jesus Christ since the age of fifteen. In spite of the fact that Jack and his siblings were raised in poverty, he lived a long and rich life built on hard work, compassion, supportive family, service, and dependence on his LORD.

Jack attended school in Sulphur Springs, and graduated from Grand Prairie High School in 1951.

Following graduation, he enlisted and served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War with the 31st Armament & Electronics Maintenance Squadron. He was honorably discharged in June of 1955.

He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from University of Texas at Arlington and his Master’s Degree from North Texas University. He became a teacher and coach with Grand Prairie ISD at Lee Junior High, eventually serving as an administrator at Adams Junior High, Grand Prairie High School & the Alternative School. He retired after 33 years of service, never missing a day of work. His love for kids was the motivation that kept him in education those many years, and the inspiration that led him to do it in a positive, supportive, and uplifting way.

Following retirement, he and wife, Barbara moved to Rockwall to be closer to their children and as a hobby bought a farm in Cumby, Texas where he enjoyed getting back to his roots by raising hay and taking care of the land.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Henry Baker, Bill Baker, Phil Baker; sisters Clara Doris Baker (infant), Ruth Lovelace, and Edith Milliorn. Also predeceased by his loving wife of 48 years, Barbara Spradling Baker.

Jack is survived by his devoted wife of 12 years, Cloe Morris Baker; grateful children – Gay Lynn Decker, husband Randy of Canton, Jay Baker, wife Kimberly of Rockwall, Phyllis Baker of Coppell; stepson Craig Morris, wife Donna of Mansfield. Grandchildren- Ryan Decker, wife Katie; Melissa Moulton, husband Mike; Quin Baker, Grant Baker, Desilynn Jackson, Rebekah Jackson, Matthew Hiles, wife Rachel, Jacob Hiles, and Braeden Hiles. Seven, great grandchildren Chloe & Ellie Decker, Jeremiah Campbell, Kinsley, Megan & Emily Moulton, and Rhett Hiles. He also left to cherish his memory, sisters-in-law, a host of nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Services for Jack will be Saturday, November 10th at 2:00 pm at Matthew Road Baptist Church in Grand Prairie. Visitation will be at the church from 12-2 prior to the service. A family interment service will be held at 4:00 pm at Moore Memorial Gardens in Arlington. Arrangements are with Bean- Massey- Burge Funeral Home, Beltline Road in Grand Prairie.

In lieu of flowers, Jack & family request gifts to help a child in need- Covenant Kids Family Services or Buckner Baptist Children’s Home.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Kenneth Ausloos, Baylor University Medical Center nursing and medical staff, Encompass Home Health, and Visiting Angels caregivers of Garland for their exceptional care of Jack.