Raymond E. Baker

Raymond E. Baker, 87, of Pine Bluff, died Monday, August 8, 2011. He was born May 5, 1924 at Atkins, Arkansas, a son of the late Harvey Baker and Ollie Mae Chesney Clark, and graduated from Linwood High School in 1942. Mr. Baker enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, where he was a member of the Glider Squadron, participating in the Normandy and Northern France campaigns. He retired in 1984 as Chief Clerk and Paymaster at the Cotton Belt Railroad with 42 years of service. He also farmed his family's land and enjoyed any outdoor activity, from hunting and fishing to traveling the country. He was a member of the Jacob Brump Masonic Lodge #160, a 32nd degree Mason, and a member of the Sahara Shrine. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Martha Jane Baker. Raymond is survived by his wife of 65 years, Annie Bitely Baker, whom he married June 5, 1946; daughters, Carolyn Cromer and husband Tom, and Mary Ellen Walker and husband Jerry; a son, Raymond Baker Jr.; a sister, Betty Sue Mata; five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and many other loving family and friends. Funeral services will be Friday, 10 a.m. at Fuller Hale-South Funeral Chapel with Brother Matt Norton and Brother Garey Scott officiating Burial will follow in Nicholson Cemetery at Tamo. There will be no formal visitation. Memorials may be made to: Trinity Village c/o Dana Bridges 6400 Trinity Dr. Pine Bluff, Ark. 71603 or Hospice Home Care 3063 West 28th Ave. Pine Bluff, Ark. 71603. Online condolences: FullerFunerals.com.