October 16, 1943 - November 24, 2025 Clarence Jackson Baker Jr., 82, died on November 24, 2025, in Yuma, Arizona. CJ was born on October 16, 1943 in Pocahontas, Arkansas, grew up in Yuma, and attended the University of Arizona. He embarked on a distinguished career as an aerospace engineer, contributing to a historic NASA project.
The love of CJ's life was his wife, Marcelle Ethier, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Lisa Baker, and his nephew, Phil Noland.
A public celebration of life service will be held on December 14, 2025, at 3 PM, at the Valley Baptist Church located at 3830 W 8th St. in Yuma. A private graveside interment service will follow at a later date, led by his daughter.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Safe House Project to support victims of child trafficking: https://www.safehouseproject.org.
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