September 28, 1937-January 3, 2014
Columbus, GA- Jesse E. Baker, Jr., 76, of Columbus, died Friday, January 3, 2014.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, January 7, 2014, from 5:00-7:00 PM, at Striffler-Hamby on 4071 Macon Road Columbus.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at 2:00 PM at the funeral home with Reverend Bob Hawkins officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Keith Sanders, Chris Moore, Shane Sanders and Jimmy Cline. Interment will follow at Parkhill Cemetery.
Jesse E. Baker, Jr. was the son of the late Jesse E. Baker, Sr., and Irene Baker. He was a graduate of Jordan High in 1957. He then served in the US Navy from 1958-1962 as an Aircraft Electrical Engineer, attached to the USS Forrestal. Mr. Baker then moved to Marietta, GA, where he worked for Lockheed Aerospace Corp for 3 years. He furthered his electrical career by joining ARO/AEDC (Arnold Engineering Development Center), Tullahoma, TN for 5 years. He worked on several engines for NASA and then was chosen to help wire two engines for Apollo 11 in 1969 (July 16th launched to the moon and July 24th returned to earth for the splash down.)
Jesse returned to Columbus to take over the family business- Baker's Hardware (oldest family owned hardware store in Columbus), retired in 2006.
Mr. Baker was a member of the Masonic York Rite and was a 32nd degree Shriner. He was a NASCAR and Drag Racing fan. Most of all he loved his '39 Chevy Coupe known as "The Hot Rod".
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Ann Baker; two daughters, Shasmein (Baker) Sanders (Keith) and Shannon Baker; two grandchildren, Branndy Moore (Chris), Shane Sanders (Katy);one great-granddaughter, Taylor Moore "Honey Bunny"; also several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sally (Baker) Ricks.
The family of Mr. Baker would like thank all of the Baker's Hardware customers ( Baker Gang), and to all the Doctors that help so much and was such good friends throughout the years we Thank You; Dr. R. Hudson MD, Dr. Oweiga McLauren, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Weatherstone, Dr. Cuiba, and to Dr. Chhokar her friendship for her long service throughout all of the family members. And to his friend Dr. Pippus and all his staff for being so helpful for these 5 years, God Bless each one. And to all the Ladies at the Infusion Dept. and to the Ladies at the Radiation Dept.,nurses and receptionist and Pink Lady he called his "Little Angles" his love and Thank you so much for making his trip each Thursday a Treat as he called it. We wouldn't won't to miss anyone, because he was blessed and I was blessed to see everyone, and to for him to witness God's love throughout to the people we met.
Condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18