Edna Isabelle “Pat” Baker, 84, of Texarkana, Texas, died Wednesday, April 28, 2010. Mrs. Baker was born December 8, 1925, in Nash, Texas, to James Handley and Lillian Pattillo. She and her sister Marjorie spent their early years in Nash and Texarkana. After graduating from Texarkana College, she worked as a secretary at Grim School, where she was introduced to her future husband by a colleague, Vera Baker. She married World War II veteran Fredrick O. Baker on February 9, 1946, and moved with him to Fort Smith, Arkansas, where her first two children were born. Fred Baker returned to active duty in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and attained the rank of Lt. Cmdr. while serving in various duty stations, including San Diego and Arlington, VA. He died in an automobile accident in 1961.
After the death of her husband, Mrs. Baker returned to Texarkana with her five children in 1964. She worked in the insurance industry for many years, starting as a secretary with Manny Stevens Insurance. Thereafter, she took several professional courses and advanced in her career, retiring from the Western Insurance Company as an adjuster in 1987. She also spent many years helping to care for an extended family, including her beloved mother.
Mrs. Baker was a member of three long-time bridge groups, including one that she helped form in 1964. She was a member of Hardy Memorial United Methodist Church and the Wesleyan Class Sunday school group for many years. She was a past president of the Insurance Women’s Association of Texarkana.
Mrs. Baker was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren. She is survived by Daniel Baker of New York, John Baker of Sun City, CA, Susan Bloom and husband Nick of Half Moon Bay, CA, Kathy Boyles and husband Dan of Texarkana, and James Baker and wife Salee of Singapore. She will also be missed by grandchildren Johanna Baker, Lawrence and Jeffrey Baker, Jackson and Matthew Bloom, and Ryan, William, and Jake Boyles; and great-grandchildren Calder and Beckcom Hathaway and Aathena Baker. Mrs. Baker was also close to her sister’s family, David Johnson and wife Carrie, Bruce Johnson and wife Debby, Patrick Johnson, and Carolyn and Whitney Myler.
Mrs. Baker died at Arkansas Heart Hospital in Little Rock after a short illness. Visitation will take place from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 2, at East Funeral Home, Moores Lane, in Texarkana. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 3, at Hardy Memorial United Methodist Church with the Reverend Gary Masterson officiating. Interment will follow immediately at Hillcrest Memorial Park under the direction of East Funeral Home.
Family and friends may send tributes at www.eastfuneralhomes.com.
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