Joseph Allen Baker -

Obituary

Joseph Allen Baker (1940-2012) collector of Hot Wheels and old cars, James Dean and Elvis memorabelia. Joe was stuck in the 50’s. Even after cancer treatments he still combed his hair in a “D.A.” (Yes, you may have to ask someone older what that means.) Joe left this earth on June 14, 2012 peacefully in his sleep right where he wanted to be, by his wife and dog Snickers! Joe never knew a stranger and it wouldn’t be unusual for him to see someone he knew in California, Missouri, Florida, Ohio or Kentucky that was from many years working at TWA. Joe’s last job was for the City of South Daytona. He read water meters. Most people would drive their trucks all over but Joe would park and walk for blocks, saying it was good exercise. He also liked going into the office to see his girlfriends. It was just a joke but he thought the world of them, and they of him. They spoiled Joe rotten. Joe said, “It was the best job he ever had.” He also worked for a time at the Kennedy Space Center where he told his kids he had to wear sunglasses because people thought he looked like Steve McQueen. Over the years Joe was known to family and friends as “Bake”, “Joe Don Baker”, “Trouble Maker Baker”, and yes, when he had a longer moustache his blonde hair and a tan, he was known as Hulk Hogan, But, the best way to remember him is husband, Dad, Papaw, Grandpa, and friend. Joe’s family was the most important thing to him. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. His love and incredible strength made him the wonderful, caring, loving man that he was. Joe lost his battle with cancer but he fought with such strength, courage and most of the time without pain medicine. He still wanted to help and didn’t want to burden anyone. Not many people could do this with such grace and dignity. Joe is survived by his wife of 54 years, Shirley Ann Baker, They had three wonderful children Robin Fields (Danny), Jolene Messmer (Gary), and Brett Baker; four grandkids Chris (Nikki) Houze, Justin (Holly) Houze, Amie (Rusty) Young, Michael Combs; six great grandchildren Xavier, Layla, Jordan, Faith, Josh and Landon. Joe joined his parents Robert and Mildred Baker, brothers Bobby and Harold and sister Regina in heaven. Leaving his other siblings until their time Denny, Joyce, Donald and Steven. Joe is and was and incredible man and will always be remembered in our hearts and minds.