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Earl Baker Obituary
Dr. Earl J. Baker died peacefully in his sleep on September 6, 2017 in Scottsdale, Arizona. His extraordinary spirit and devout Catholic faith carried him to the age of nearly 94 years old. Dr. Baker is survived by his six children; Brad Baker, Joanie Allen (John), Karen Gibbs (Joe), Tommy Baker, Patsy Heberle (Bill), and Nancy Wilson (Chris). In addition, he is survived by two Sisters, Ann Curtin and Maureen Baker, eleven Grandchildren, and three Great Grandchildren who will all miss him dearly. Dr. Baker's accomplished career as a physician and heart surgeon began by winning competitive scholarships to Regis High School, Fordham College, and eventually on to one of the most prestigious and selective medical schools, New York University College of Medicine in New York City. After completing an eight year cardiovascular and thoracic surgical residency, Dr. Baker, along with his devoted wife Joan, relocated to the Phoenix area in October of 1956. Soon thereafter, Dr. Baker successfully completed the first open heart surgery in Phoenix at St. Luke's Hospital in 1960 and went on to become Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Maricopa Medical Center, President of the Medical Society of the US and Mexico, and President of the Arizona Medical Association in 1985. These accomplishments were always driven by his deep and abiding spirituality & faith, as well as by his compassion for family, patients, colleagues, and for all those less fortunate or in need. Dr. Baker continued with this enduring philanthropic spirit by becoming the first Medical Director at the St. Vincent De Paul Society Clinic for the working poor in South Phoenix in March of 1994. Through it all and to the end, Dr. Baker credited his family and faith for his accomplished life. We celebrate his legacy, and take comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with his beloved wife Joan in heaven. A Visitation will be on Friday, September 15, 2017 at 6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. with a Vigil at 7:00 P.M., held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Immediately following the Vigil an Irish Wake/Birthday Celebration to celebrate Dad's Birthday which we all know he loved, will take place at St. Francis Xavier Anderson Hall. On Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 10:30 A.M. a Funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2312 E. Campbell Avenue, Phoenix. Interment will follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th St, Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Baker's memory can be made to Society of St. Vincent de Paul, P.O. Box 13600, Phoenix, AZ 85002-3600. Arrangements entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
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Memories and Condolences
for Earl Baker
Sponsored by Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.
Brian C. McNeil
March 28, 2025
Sitting here in NE Mississippi talking to a cousin. He is reflecting on his late father´s admiration and respect for Dr. Baker for the surgery the Doctor performed on him in 1960. I thought it was amazing that so many years later that Dr. Baker´s work was being recounted so fondly.
Rhonda Juster
September 20, 2017
Dear Tom and family...
We were very saddened to read of your father's passing. He was such a special person, and loved by not only his family and many friends, but also the medical community, his patients, and everyone who knew him. Bob and I remember your Dad with great fondness. I met your father many years ago, and saw him more recently when he was in the process of selling his Paradise Valley home. Bob remembers helping your Dad when he shopped at Saks Fifth Avenue. He was a kind, generous, wonderful person, and he will be very missed. A true gentleman. Please accept our sincere condolences. Rhonda & Bob Juster
D. Romans 15:33 Andrews
September 13, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
D W
September 13, 2017
To the Family
May the God of all comfort give you the strength to endure during your time of distress.
Tyler
September 13, 2017
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. God is the hearer of prayers. May the God of comfort give your family peace and calmness in your time of grief.
Maria Andrade
September 13, 2017
My sincerest condolences to the family for your loss. I pray that you have the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Phillipians 4:6,7).
Margaret McChesney
September 12, 2017
Dr. Baker was/is a true Hero and role model of a follower of Jesus. He lived his faith actively in both his personal and professional lives. He gave so freely of his wisdom, humor and compassion and the world was graced by his presence. I am a much better human being for having known and loved him.
September 11, 2017
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I pray in the midst of your sorrow you find comfort in all
the joyful memories shared and will always cherish these beautiful memories . Romans 15:13 -
D. Wilmington-California
D F
September 11, 2017
May the comfort of Christ Jesus, bring strength to the family and friends, at this time of sadness.
John 5:25, Matthew 11:28,29,
Lelia Dodds
September 10, 2017
Dr. Baker was a kind and generous man who I had the pleasure of getting to know during his time with the Medical Society of the United States and Mexico of which he also served as President. Thank you for all the great memories Dr. Baker!! My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Kim and Robin Norris
September 10, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers, as well as our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to the Baker and Wilson families. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Gail Davis
September 10, 2017
Dr Baker has always been in my life. Joan was my Girl Scout leader and Dr Baker went on many of our camping trips. As an adult, his friendship and influences were always there. His many gifts to Phoenix were numerous. Love and good thoughts to the family, Gail Schneider Davis
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Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home4800 East Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018
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