As you know, NANCY THOMPSON BAKER'S husband Jake passed away last week. I spoke with NANCY today, and she is holding up fairly well. I sent all of your prayers and good wishes to her to read and share with her family. Please continue to think of them as they grieve the passing of this important man in their lives.
JERRY ARTHUR "JAKE" BAKER
Jerry (Jake) Baker, of Ballinger Texas, passed away Friday, July 17th, 2020 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Jake was born to Johnnie Harry and Ivah Bernice Smith on December 21, 1935, in Winters Texas.
Jake attended Ballinger high school in Ballinger, Texas, where he played football. Jake was a wide receiver and in 1953, one year before he graduated, he was a state championship finalist for catching the only touchdown pass for Ballinger High. On August 31, 1957, Jake married the love of his life, Nancy Thompson Baker in Waco, Texas. Jake went on to become a salesman for M&M Packing Co. for 28 years. After that, he worked as the food service supervisor at the Runnels County Jail for 14 years. Jake also served The Volunteer Fire Department for 38 years. He was once elected “Fireman of the Year”! He retired in 2013. Jake loved his dogs “Brandy" and “Bozo” and his cat “Sneaky Pete”.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and 2 siblings: sister, Fadine Williams, and brother, Danny Baker.
Jake will be remembered by his wife, Nancy Thompson Baker, his sons: Russ Baker of San Angelo, Texas and Rodger Baker of Stafford, Virginia. His daughters: Lynn De La Cruz of Winters, Texas and Melissa Jones of Ballinger, Texas, his 9 grandchildren, his 9 great-grandchildren, and his sister, Norma McFarland of Saginaw, Texas, and brother, Randall Baker of Harlingen, Texas.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the home health nurses who took such great care of Jake during his time of need. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital or your local ASPCA.
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A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, July 22, 2020, at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Please contact them for information regarding the COVID-19 requirements.
