Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Dick Baker


(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Dr. Richard L. Baker of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at the age of 83, following a decline in health.

He was born in Joplin, Missouri, February 1939, to Jesse and Effie (Jernigan) Baker.

For his undergraduate degree Dick attended Pittsburg State University. Continuing his education, he went on to attend UMKC School of Dentistry. 








Afterwards, Dick joined the US Navy and served as a dentist in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Once he completed his tour Dick was accepted to Loyola University in Chicago to specialize in orthodontics. Dick was in practice for over 30 years in Joplin.

A man of faith, Dick was a longtime member of Blendville Christian Church and a former member of College Heights Christian Church. Most recently he attended Park Plaza Christian Church.

He was married to Toby Baker for 45 years, and she survives. He is also survived by one daughter, Julie Jeszenszky (Chris) Fort Lewis, Washington; one stepdaughter, Kibby Smith (Joe), Columbia, Missouri; 2 stepsons, Randy Smith (Kellie), Denison, Texas, and Alan Smith (Jamie), Joplin, Missouri; 4 grandchildren, Kate Jeszenszky, Caleb Smith, Zachary Smith, and Daniel Simons. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by his brother, Danny Baker.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Park Plaza Christian Church at 3220 Indiana Avenue, Joplin, Missouri. Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. and the funeral service will directly follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Cemetery.



Arrangements are under the direction of Mason Woodard. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to God’s Resort, 1501 Pearl Avenue, Joplin, Missouri, 64804 or Park Plaza Christian Church.

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