Dr. Larry Dale Baker

O'FALLON, MO

Dr. Larry Dale Baker, age 87, passed peacefully from this life on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in O'Fallon, Missouri.

Larry was born on May 25, 1938, in Shelbyville, Indiana, to the late James H Baker and Anna Marie (Stader) Baker. Larry graduated from Greenfield high school and married his high school, sweetheart, Sara Jane Eaton. They have three children, Janalee (aka Jan), Dean and Sally. For many years, Larry was a volunteer for the Greenfield Fire Department. A year after their youngest was born, their lives changed dramatically. Larry became ill and fell into a deep coma. Upon awakening, he was blind - a challenge. He met with courage and determination.

Refusing to let blindness limit his future, Larry went on to achieve extraordinary, academic success. He graduated from Indiana University, earning his Bachelor's degree with distinction. That same year, President Lyndon B Johnson presented him with a "Scholastic Achievement Award." Larry went on to complete his MBA and Doctor of Business Administration at Indiana University.

Soon after, he and his family moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he became the first blind professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. After eight years of teaching, Larry entered the world of business as a time management consultant, eventually taking ownership of the firm he helped build.

Larry and his wife, relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, at the invitation of a long time, friend and colleague and return to the classroom as a professor.

Larry is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Sara; their children Jan Heaton, Dean and Sally (Chuck) Crouse; grandchildren, Dacia Heaton, Brian (Laura) Heaton, Cassi Crouse (Brittany Jones), Caley Crouse, and Shelby (Brice) Goodall; and great grandchildren Kiersten Heaton, Eleanor Heaton, Lionel Heaton, Clara Grace Heaton, Oliver Heaton, and Scottie Goodall. He is also survived by his siblings Earl Baker, Linda Davis, Cathy Baker, Cindy (Gary) Sword; and his brother-in-law, Steve McClain.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; sisters, Joyce, McClain and Caryl Baker; brother-in-law, Jim Davis; and sister-in-law Marty Baker.

Larry will be remembered as a man of remarkable perseverance, intellect, and character. His passion for education, his devotion to family, and his lifelong love of the Indiana University Hoosiers inspired all who knew him.

**To represent his love for IU, the family is encouraging you to wear IU attire/colors to the celebration**

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Saint Michaels Catholic Church, 515 Jefferson Blvd., Greenfield, IN 46140, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 1 PM to 2:30 PM. And keeping with his wishes, Larry will be cremated.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial donations be made to the Indiana University Foundation or the Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

https://iufoundation.iu.edu/ways-give/planned-giving/make-giving-personal/index.html

https://asbvi.ade.arkansas.gov/