Hugh L. Baker

Baker, the Rev. Hugh L. "For the Son of man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay every man for what he has done. Truly, I say to you there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom." Matthew 16:27-28. The Rev. Hugh L. Baker, 84, passed away Friday evening, May 26, 2006, at the Saint Francis Hospital in Monroe. A faithful Christian servant, he served for 45 years as a Methodist minister. He served in the congregations of nine churches in the Louisiana Conference, including 10 years in Baton Rouge at the First United Methodist Church and six years at Blackwater United Methodist Church. A graduate of Tulane University, with degrees in micropaleontology, history and divinity, he was an accomplished individual with an enormous love of life. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy as a pilot and navigator in the Pacific and East European theaters. He held a strong belief in the freedoms of every man. He was a Mason and was honored with the 33rd degree. An avid outdoorsman, he pursued astronomy, boating and geology. He spent many hours creating jewelry, which he often gave away. His greatest asset, however, was his love of people, as he never met a stranger. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mrs. Kathlyn Harris Baker of Grand Cane; two children, Mrs. Kathy Mason and her husband, Jim, and Congressman Richard Baker and his wife, Karen Baker; and four grandchildren, Mr. Brandon Baker and his wife, Caroline, Ms. Julie Baker, Mrs. Vanessa Killough and Mrs. Mindy Ramsey. Visitation at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Shreveport on Monday, May 29, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Religious service will be at Christ United Methodist Church, Shreveport, at 11 a.m. Tuesday. For those who wish to honor his life, donations may be directed to the Northeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Monroe. The family expresses deep appreciation for the care and courtesies extended to the Rev. Baker by all the staff at the Veteran's Home. The Rev. Baker would have asked all his friends to honor those who served this country well by assisting the NELA War Veterans Home with their mission.