Jerry Baker

Jerry Lenard Baker Sr. 68 of Fort Sumner, NM died March 6, 2008 at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, TX following an illness. He was born Feb. 11, 1939 in Springdale, Arkansas the son of Melvin Lee and Lillie (Hicks) Baker. Jerry was raised in Bakersfield, California where he attended school. Jerry Married Rose D. Arnold on October 2, 1957 at Farwell, TX. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1962 and was assigned to the 832nd Operations Squadron as an engine mechanic. He trained at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois, Orlando Air Force Base Florida and at the U.S. Air Force Installation at Haneda, Japan. He was honorably discharged at Cannon Air Force Base. Jerry worked as a truck driver, a heavy equipment operator and a highway maintainer for the New Mexico State Highway Department Patrol #2 in Portales. He retired on June 30, 2002. He was a member of Sheldon Street Church of Christ in Clovis, A.S.C.A.P., Academy of Country Music, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #3863. His past times included working on cars, motorcycles and growing and tending to his rose garden. He was preceded in death by a daughter Tammy Baker in 1998; his mother in 1990, father in 1991 and a brother Wayne Baker in 1992. Survivors include his wife Rose Baker of the family home in Fort Sumner, three daughters Kerri Lamb and husband Walt of Wyoming; Kristine Baker of Phoenix, AZ; Andrea Abercrombie and husband Jai of Phoenix, AZ; a son Jerry Baker Jr. of Fort Sumner, three sisters Thelma Hartman of Hemet, CA; Joan O’Cleary of Ontario, CA; and Peggy Binger of Grants Pass, OR. Also surviving are nine grandchildren Nicole Baker, Felicia Baker, Jennifer Baker, Jacob Baker, Brian Baker all of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Tina Baker, Brandon Baker, Christopher Baker of Clovis, NM and Trevor Lamb of Guam. Other survivors include three great-grandchildren, five brothers-in-law, five sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends including an adopted daughter Brenda Sullivan of Fort Sumner and his companion dog “Sassie, Sugar Pill”. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, March 11, 2008 from the Chavez Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Sumner with Mr. Van McCormick officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Orvel Turner, Andy Lucero, Ted Pittman, Gary Wilson, Bill Statts, Tim Archuleta, James Arnold, Jerry Sparks and J.W. Daniels. Honorary bearers will include members of F.O.E. #3863; NM State Highway Department Patrol 2 of Portales, Bill Coddington, Bob Jack, Fort Sumner E.M.S. and Valley and Village Fire Departments. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 804 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311. www.chavezfuneralhome.com