Wayne Franklin Baker

Wayne Franklin Baker, 88, passed away quietly at his home Saturday morning, December 6, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 6, 1926, to Harrison Clyde and May Ottinger Baker in Batesville. They later moved to Leachville, where young Wayne Baker grew up on the family farm. Mr. Baker graduated from Arkansas State University with a degree in agriculture and taught that subject in high school. He was very proud to have served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. A longtime member of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, he served as a deacon there. Mr. Baker worked for E. Ritter and Company in Marked Tree during his early adult years until he and his wife, Virginia Robinson Baker, who was the love of his life, decided to establish their own business. They opened Northeast Arkansas Fence Company, followed by Baker Rentals and Sales, Baker Healthcare Specialties, W.F. and V.R. Baker Enterprises, Southwest Business Center and several rental properties. One of the things Uncle Wayne enjoyed most was serving on the Liberty Bank Board with his good friend Wallace Fowler. It was the highlight of his month to meet with the members of the board and help to plan its development and growth. The family wishes to thank Wallace Fowler, members of the Liberty Bank Board, Ed Way and the late Wayne Wolfe for their friendship to him. The Bakers have served as benefactors to Arkansas Children's Hospital, Arkansas State University, Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas and Craighead County Community Foundation, where they financed an endowment. Arkansas State University was important to Uncle Wayne. He enjoyed attending football and basketball games with Aunt Virginia and cheering on his favorite team. In 2009, they were both honored as Distinguished Alumni of ASU. Uncle Wayne was also an alumnus of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Uncle Wayne took great pride in the appearance of all his properties, including his businesses and his home, taking special care with his manicured lawn. A favorite pastime of his was driving and checking on the crops in our eastern district. And his family fondly remembers traveling with him and Aunt Virginia on many wonderful trips. His family will also remember Uncle Wayne for his love, kindness and generosity to them. He has made a difference in the lives of all of his nieces and nephews. We are eternally grateful and will miss his everyday presence in our lives. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Virginia R. Baker; his parents, H.C. and May O. Baker; a sister, Janice Baker Jones; and a nephew, Thomas "Tommy" Carroll Martin Jr. He is survived by his loving and caring nieces and nephews: Robin (David) Yates, Julia Martin Robinson, Liz (Tommy) Martin, and Anita Pickler Manuel, all of Jonesboro; Jennifer Pickler of Corinth, Texas, and Karmen (Vernon) Robertson of Bucklin, Mo.; loving nephews, Retired Brigadier General Charles D. Martin (Cyd) of Little Rock and David Anthony (Beth) Pickler of Germantown, Tenn.; great-nieces, Brandi (Jay) Melton, Jamie (Ricky) Monroe, Whitney (David) Jones, Fort Worth, Texas; Katie Pickler, Germantown, Tenn.; Kellen Robertson of Bucklin, Mo.; Bryttney Manuel, all of Jonesboro; great-nephews, Marty (Tammy) Yates, Tom (Jeannie) Martin, Rob (Lorelei) Yates, all of Jonesboro; Chad Martin of Little Rock; Chris (Amy) Pickler of St. Louis, Mo.; Dane Robertson of Bucklin, Mo.; great-great nieces, Chandler Yates, Kirsten Martin, Gracybelle Yates, Madden Monroe, Arabella Melton and Rachel Scroggins of Jonesboro; great-great nephews Sgt. Tyler Martin, Fort Carson, Colo.; Cade Yates, Myles Yates, Eason Monroe, Oscar Melton IV and Alex Scroggins of Jonesboro; and great-great-great-nephew, Tommy Martin of Paragould. A special thank-you is extended to family friend Vickie (Steve) Hickey; caregivers, Charles, Kristina, Marilynn, Terri and Tonya for their attentions during his recent illness. Visitation was held at 10 a.m., Monday, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, followed by a celebration of his life at 11 with Richard Lusby officiating. The private burial will be in Jonesboro Memorial Park following the service. Services are entrusted to Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home. Active Pallbearers will be nephews David Yates, Marty Yates, David Pickler, Vernon Robertson, Charles Martin, Tom Martin, Rob Yates; and special friend, Charles Marrs. Great-nieces and great-nephews will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family thanks Baker HealthCare for the compassionate consideration and care given to Mr. Baker during his illness. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 701 South Main, Jonesboro, with consideration given to the Music Ministry, the General Fund or the Care Center; or Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF), through First Baptist Church.