Darrel E. Baker

On December 22, 2020, our husband, father, grandpa and great grandpa Darrel Evert Baker crossed into the nearer presence of God entering into his life eternal. He was born March of 1921 near Atkins, Arkansas to Luther Leonard and Dorotha Minor Baker. He attended school at Russellville, AR. He joined the National Guard in high school to help his family during the Great Depression and was called to service during World War II. Serving from 1940 to 1945, he was awarded the Bronze Star.

Following his discharge from the Army after the war, he began his quest for higher education. Turning down a full scholarship to play football from Memphis State University, he moved closer to home to play for The College of the Ozarks in Clarksville, AR. It was there the stars aligned and he met the love of his life Lala Jane Gray. They were married May 28, 1948 and would spend the next 72 years at each other’s side. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree from the College of the Ozarks and then his Master’s Degree at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

After college, he would dedicate his life serving as a coach, administrator and educator. At Booneville, AR. he would lead the high school football team to an undefeated season. He then moved to coach at Barnsdall, OK. and Vian, OK. He then made the transition to administration and served at Vian, OK., Lavaca, AR and Fort Smith Northside until he retired.

He served as an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, USA as a member of First Presbyterian Church in Southwest City, MO., a church served by his loving mother-in-law and father-in-law Lala Haley and the Rev. Dr. R. Gordon Gray. Since moving to the Fort Smith area in the mid 1970’s he attended Central Presbyterian Church.

He was an avid bird hunter, fisherman and a skilled gardener. He was a vibrant force of energy and pursued these hobbies well into his 80’s. He would tell you his greatest pleasure however was his family and the time spent with them by which we have been so blessed and the loving memories seem endless. We will miss him so, but in thanksgiving for the promise of the Resurrection we look forward to the day when we will see him again.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jeanette Shinn; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lala Haley and R. Gordon Gray, and his daughter, Lala Kay Baker Davis.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jane Baker; daughter, Karen Williams (Ralph) of Fort Smith, AR.; two sons, Robert Baker (Margaret) of Hurst, TX., Dr. Kevin Baker (Jamie) of Tulsa, OK.; 6 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to Central Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.

Funeral service will be 10 AM Monday, December28, 2020 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Fort Smith National Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Edwards Funeral Home.