Richard Alexander Baker

Richard was born in Rainbow City, Alabama in 1928, a long time resident, and now a forever one. He was a graduate of Etowah City High School in 1947. After high school he joined the Air Force and served from 1948-1952, where he was a Ham Radio operator for the US Air Force serving as a Staff Sergeant. During his time he was stationed in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska and Tampa, Florida. After serving the Air Force for four years he met and married his love, Jo Mitchell. They moved back to Rainbow City where he began working for Goodyear. They started a family in 1953 and had their first daughter, Mary Ann. He continued to work for Goodyear until his retirement in 1989. Through those years he served his church, became a pillar for the Lord, and touched many lives. He was a servant at Coosa Valley Baptist church for 40 plus years before he couldn’t continue his journey. Richard joined our Lord and Savior Thursday morning surrounded by his daughter and granddaughter.

He is preceded in death by his wife - Jo Baker (passed April 2024), one brother - JD Baker, Mother - Arie Ann Baker, Father - Alexander Stephen Baker

He is survived by his Daughter and Son in Law - Mary Ann and Rick Pennington, Granddaughter and Husband - Mandy and John Schmidt, and Great grandchildren - Hanna and Matthew Schmidt

Pallbearers will be John Schmidt, John Baker, Bo Mitchell, Darrell Mitchell, Rick Pennington

Honorary pallbearer - Eddie Silvey

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Coosa Valley Baptist Church in Rainbow City Alabama

Special thanks to - Staff at Riverview hospital - Bailey, Fonda, SongLee, Cody, Kayla, Tracey, Stephanie, and Brittney. Genitiva healthcare, Nikki and Carol. Healing Hearts. I know I missed some, but this staff was absolutely amazing and a God send. We can not thank you all enough.

A visitation for Richard will be held Sunday, September 28, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Collier-Butler Funeral Home, 824 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, AL 35901, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM.

Richard will be laid to rest at Old Harmony Baptist Church, 3820 Rainbow Drive, Rainbow City, AL 35906.