Paul was the son of Claude Austin and Margaret Norman Baker. He grew up on a small farm south of El Dorado where he developed his hunting, fishing and mechanical skills. He graduated from El Dorado High school in 1964 and was a popular member of his graduating class.
Paul attended UA at Monticello and then later completed trade school in Shreveport, Louisiana. After moving to Louisiana to attend trade school, he lived with his grandmother Myrtle Norman near Vivian, Louisiana. During this time, on a night out with friends he met the love of his life, Vivian “Theresa” Scorsone in Bossier City. They courted and married on February 8, 1969. A son, Paul David Baker Jr., was born in 1970, and then a daughter, Brandi Christine followed in 1972.
Paul was a skilled member of the Sheet Metal Union and worked many years in the sheet metal, HVAC, and maintenance fields. He could literally fix anything.
Paul enjoyed guns, gardening, hunting, fishing and restoring automobiles. He delighted in spending time with his wife of 53 years Theresa, and he and his grandson Hayden had a special bond. Hayden would tell anyone from an early age his “Pots” was his best friend.
Preceding Paul in death were his parents, Claude and Margaret Baker, and a brother, William Perry Baker. His survivors include his wife Theresa, son Paul David Baker Jr., daughter Brandi Christine, granddaughter Danielle Kimble, grandson Hayden Ramey and great granddaughter Ryan Hale. Brother Claude Douglas “Buddy” Baker (Neva “Skeet”), sisters in law, Deane Crenshaw, Joanne Sandstedt, Carolyn Maranto, Charlotte Waterfallen (Jimmy), Connie Stubblefield (Billy), Cindy Roberts (Randy) and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Paul on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 beginning at 10am at Christ the King Catholic Church. Visitation will be held Monday, January 9, 2023 from 5pm until 7pm. A roary will begin Monday, January 9, 2023 at 7pm. Interment will follow services Tuesday January 10, 2023 at Hill Crest Memorial Park.
