Gary Baker

(From Thomas Pirro Funeral Home)

Rev. W. Gary Baker, 87, of Syracuse, passed away June 6, 2024. Gary was born in Purcell, Missouri and graduated from Webb City, Missouri High School in 1954. He then served three years in the United States Air Force and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Pittsburg State University in 1961.

Gary achieved much in his life and held many esteemed titles, including proud Air Force veteran, a strong man of the faith and member of his high school's football team and 1953 undefeated Missouri Big 8 champion basketball team. 

He was a wonderful, beloved husband, father, stepfather, grandfather and great-grandfather, and good friend to everyone he met. He was well known for his wise advice, sense of humor, appreciation of a good joke, gentleness and charm.

Gary was employed for eight years with the American National Red Cross, then served in various capacities with the United Way for twenty-five years. He achieved his ultimate career goal of full time Christian ministry in 1993 when he was appointed as Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church of Manlius, NY. This was followed by pastoring the Westvale Baptist Church. Subsequently he was selected to be Associate Executive Minister for American Baptist Churches of New York State. He performed this role until his retirement in 2007. 

Even after his retirement, Gary continued to serve his community by being an interim and supply minister and certified tax preparer specializing in clergy taxes. Throughout the years, Gary was a custom picture framing expert, a car enthusiast, and a big fan of watching college basketball and football, particularly the University of Oklahoma football team.

Gary loved working with numbers. A great day for him included preparing a tax return, reconciling his wife's checkbook and auditing a church's finances all before lunch!

He is predeceased by his parents, Betty Jane (Sallee) and Bill Baker; his brother Michael, first wife Nancy and many beloved pets.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Jean (Pattison) Baker; children, Melissa Collins and Lance (Kellye) Baker; stepchildren, Damon (Angela) Gagnier and Heather (Scott) Drabek; grandchildren, Austin Baker, Lance and Callie Ford, Amber (Tyler) Lambert and Megan Gagnier; great-grandchildren, Braylyn, Peyton, Presley, Jayden and Mayci Lambert; and rescue dog Bo.

A special thank you to Upstate Community Hospital ICU nurses, doctors and staff for their kindness and devotion to Gary in his last days.

To honor Gary, be kind and helpful to family, friends, neighbors and strangers. Be generous with your time and patience. Thank a veteran. Play a game of basketball. Talk to God. Always leave things better than you found them.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, Gary requested a donation in his memory to your favorite charity. Bo's suggestion is Helping Hounds Dog Rescue in Syracuse.

A celebration of Gary's life will be announced at a later date.