After a courageous nine year battle of fighting cancer, Frank Baker, 70, of Lorena, "went home" Sunday, April 14th, with his wife of 46 years by his bedside. Graveside services will be 11AM Wednesday, April 17th at Gholson Cemetery with Rev. Jimmy Samson officiating. Visitation will be 6 to 8PM Tuesday, April 16th at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com.
James Franklin Baker was born January 30, 1943 in Waco to Pat and Ruth (Massey) Baker, the third born of ten children. He married Norine Landingham November 26, 1966, and together they raised 3 beautiful children. During his lifetime, Frank was an avid hunter and fisherman, rooster fighter and gardener. He was a hard worker with Leigh High Cement Plant and Gulf States Paper Company. After his retirement, he spent most of his time gardening, fishing, and hosting fish fries. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Linda Tanksley Trump; and a brother-in-law, Tommy Warren.
Survivors include wife, Norine Baker of Lorena; children, Kelli Thompson and husband Richard of Gholson, Ethen Baker and partner Patricia Peterson of Madison, WI, and Lynne Richnow of Lorena; grandchildren, Leah Thompson of Gholson, Lacy Johnson and husband James of Marlin, and Tracy Richnow of Splendora; great grandchildren, Brooklyn Thompson, and Savannah Johnson; siblings, Patsy Warren, Nelson Baker, and wife Nerlee, Judy Moore and husband Gerry, Brenda McClain, Jerry Baker, Gary Baker, and wife Sheila, Leann Broyles and partner Johnny Boone, and Janet Ruscher and husband Donald; as well as numerous other relatives and cousins, including Charles and Darlene Baker and dear friend Patty Bond.
The family wishes to acknowledge and thank Dr. Carl Chakmakjian and the staff of Texas Oncology, as well as Bluebonnet Hospice, specifically Stacy, Lisa, Annette, Christy, Jennifer, Erica, and Judy, for their attention and care during this time.