L.B. Baker - Trumann

L.B. "Red" Baker, 73, of Trumann died Monday, March 6, 2006, at NEA Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was born Aug. 17, 1932, in Trumann. A lifelong resident of Trumann, he was the president of the senior class of Trumann High School in 1950. He was a star athlete in three sports in high school. He married his high school sweetheart, Jimmie Doris Shirley, in 1948, and was preceded in death by her in 2002. He was also preceded in death by a half-sister, Marsha Miller, and was the son of the late Lee Allen Baker and Pearl Phelps Baker Hickman.

The owner of Baker Lumber and Hardware Company in Trumann, Mr. Baker was well-known around the world for his public service. He was a prominent member of the Trumann Lions Club. He served as a past district governor, past president of Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service and was the first inductee and namesake of the Mid-South Lions L.B. Baker Hall of Honor. He was also honored by several Lions Clubs International Presidents with leadership awards and certificates of appreciation.

Mr. Baker was a 32nd degree Mason with 50 years of service and a member of the Scottish Rite. He was a past master of Trumann Lodge No. 693. He was also a former member of the Trumann Jaycees. He served as president of the Trumann Chamber of Commerce and was honored as their Outstanding Citizen in 1980.

He also served on the Trumann Park Commission, the Trumann Water and Sewer Commission and the Trumann Public Library Committee and was instrumental in the building of the Trumann Little League baseball park. He was a founding member of the Trumann Country Club and received numerous awards and recognition for his service to the community. Mr. Baker was also a longtime member of the ASU Indian Club. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Trumann since 1958, was past president of the United Methodist Men and served in many capacities within the church.

Survivors include a daughter, Janelle Ray of Trumann; two sons, Brad Baker of Jonesboro and Brent Baker of Trumann; three grandchildren, Abigail Maggard of Jacksonville, N.C., and Lindsey Baker and Lonna Baker, both of Jonesboro; seven great-grandchildren; stepmother, Berniece Baker of Manila; a sister and brother-in-law, Mavene and Newt Beaird of Trumann; four half brothers, Tommy Baker of Little Rock, Barry Baker of Manila, Joey Baker of Pauls Valley, Okla., and Kerry Baker of Manila.

The funeral was held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church in Trumann with Rev. Jim Thresher and Rev. Bill Williams officiating. A Masonic graveside service was held in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery in Jonesboro with Thompson Funeral Home of Trumann in charge.

Active pallbearers were Freddie Joyce, Henry Lamb, K.W. Webb, Gerald Smith, Mike Craig, B.G. Tatum, Leroy May, Bill Cook, Mark Poe, Bill Teague, David Utley, Brandon Maggard, Len Krueger and Mike Dungan.

Honorary pallbearers were Trumann Lions Club, Masonic Lodge No. 693, First United Methodist Men, Trumann Water and Sewer Commission and employees of Baker Lumber and Hardware Company.

The family requests anyone wishing to leave a lasting memorial consider the First United Methodist Church in Trumann at 220 Pine Avenue, Trumann 72472, or Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service at 188 South Bellevue, Suite 421, Memphis, Tenn. 38104

To sign the online guest book, log on to www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.