John Robert Baker

Dr. John Robert Baker, born 11 June 1940 and a resident of Baton Rouge, died peacefully in his home on May 16, 2023. He was born in Wichita Falls, Texas to Joe and Pauline Baker. He graduated from Wichita Falls Senior High School with top honors in 1957 at the age of 16.

Dr. Baker received a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from Hardin Simmons in Abilene, Texas in 1961 where he met his lovely wife, Kathy. He was a member of Who’s Who and Senior Favorite while there. He obtained a first doctorate degree from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas in 1966 and received a PhD in philosophy from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee in 1971.

Dr. Baker was a Full Professor of philosophy at LSU for more than three decades, specializing in the fields of philosophy of religion and logic. He taught for many years in the Interdisciplinary Honors Program. During his distinguished career as a teacher at LSU, he also held several administrative positions, serving as Associate Dean of Arts & Sciences, Associate Dean of the Junior Division as well as acting Dean of Students on two separate occasions.

Dr. Baker served for several years as Advisor to the Division of Student Affairs where he was in regular contact with members of student government - an activity that he particularly cherished and enjoyed.

Dr. Baker was an active member of the Baton Rouge Bridge Club. A big sports fan, he was particularly fond of the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Yankees; he was an avid collector of baseball cards and a passionate sports trivia buff. In addition, he enjoyed mentoring underprivileged children at Highland Elementary School – an activity that he pursued for more than a decade upon retirement from LSU in 2003.

John treasured his family and friends. His quick wit was known by all. He was famous for his lasagna and homemade peach ice cream.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Kathryn Ann Baker. In his words she was the most special woman he had ever met. In addition, he is survived by his two children, and their spouses, Kyle Baker (Gerard Philippe) and Kim Eubanks (Brad Eubanks) as well as two beloved grandchildren, Christopher Eubanks (Marissa Eubanks) and Brooke Eubanks on whom he doted from the moment of their birth to his final days. He was blessed to have two great grandsons as well, Mason and Nick.

The family would like to thank the wonderful care that Baton Rouge Hospice gave to them. A special thanks to his nurses Sally and Shannon who provided tender, loving care during his darkest moments.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to some of John’s favorite organizations: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Baton Rouge Hospice, or the American Cancer Society. A celebration of life will be held Thursday, May 25th at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, located at 825 Government St. Baton Rouge, La 70802. Visitation will be held from 10 am -11 am followed by an 11am service.