Lawrence Edwin Baker

Lawrence “Lerry” Edwin Baker was born on August 23, 1969, in Baltimore, Maryland, to James and Omaira (Turner) Baker. He had two siblings, an older brother, Jim Baker, and a younger sister, Charmaine Kokkeler.

When Lerry was almost six years old, his family moved to Springfield, Oregon, to be closer to his mother’s family. He attended Springfield High School and went on to study at the University of Oregon.

Right out of high school Lerry continued to pursue his passion for sports, stepping into various coaching roles in football, basketball, and track & field. He was especially proud to serve as the head coach for boys and girls track and field at Catlin Gabel in Portland, Oregon. It was here he was honored four times as the Oregon 3A coach of the year. Lerry was an avid runner, he participated in countless races, including local road races, the Portland Marathon, the 100th Boston Marathon, Hood to Coast, and the Nike Run Across America.

Lerry began his professional career at Nike and eventually worked for various companies in the Portland metropolitan area in business analyst roles for over 30 years. It was at Nike where he met Diana De Young, with whom he shared nearly 20 years together. They had one son, Max Edwin Baker. Lerry was a devoted father who cherished coaching many of Max’s sports teams, including basketball and flag football.

Lerry is survived by his son, Max Edwin Baker; his mother, Omaira Baker; his brother, Jim Baker (Monique); and his sister, Charmaine Kokkeler (Justin). He is also survived by one niece and five nephews.

Lerry passed away on January 18, 2025, in Beaverton, Oregon. He was 55 years old.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be sent to the Beaverton High School Football Program on behalf of Lerry Baker & support of his son Max E. Baker #4.

Checks can be made out to "Beaverton High Football" and sent to:

Beaverton High School

C/O Athletics

13000 SW 2nd Street

Beaverton, OR 97005

Donations may also be made online at bit.ly/bhsfootballdonation

A memorial service for Lawrence will be held Friday, February 21, 2025 from 1:00 PM at Finley Sunset Hills Mortuary, 6801 SW SUNSET HWY, PORTLAND, OR 97225.

Reception following at his son current residence 2375 SW Burbank Avenue Portland, OR 97225