John Baker

(From Clark Funeral Home)

John Lawrence Baker, 87, Neosho, MO passed away January 28, 2021 at his home. He was born June 21, 1933 in Pierce City, MO to Maggie (Bittick) and Melvin Lawrence Baker. 

John came to Neosho in 1958 from Ft. Worth, TX. He was a veteran of the US Air Force, serving in Strategic Air Command. John worked at La-Z-Boy Midwest from the 1970s, retiring in early 1990s. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Neosho. 

He sang with several music groups including Calvary Quartet, Crusaders for Christ, Sweetwater Trio, Celebration Trio, and Over the Hill Gang. He was a professional bass guitar player and trumpeter. 

John married Barbara J. Shepherd on May 18, 1952 in Monett; she preceded him in death on October 1, 2011. 

He is survived by his son, John M. Baker of Neosho; his daughter, Janet Baker of Carthage; one grandson, John Curtis Baker; and three great grandchildren, John Andrew Baker, Luke Timothy Baker, and Eli Baker. 

In addition to his wife and parents, John was preceded in death by his sister, Mildred Smith.

A time of visitation will be held from noon until 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 30 at Clark Funeral Home, Neosho. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Monday, February 1, 2021 at Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories, Neosho, with Rev. Jerry Seigel and Minister John Curtis Baker officiating. Interment will follow at Monett IOOF Cemetery, Monett, MO. 

Contributions to honor John may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66; Neosho, MO 64850.