Joseph Willard Baker Ph.D.

Joe was a great genealogist and worked together on our family histories in Page/Shenandoah counties Virginia. We were distant cousins. A great loss that created a void that I have been unable to refill.

A great inspirational genealogy friend and distant cousin. Both of us born and raised in Page County, Va.

we went to school together from the 5th grade through high school in Luray, VA. We have had many good conversations on email in the last few years; I will miss those. I last saw him and Margaret at our high school 50th reunion.

To the family of Joseph W. Baker. I never met Joe, but we shared genealogy notes etc., via the internet and in writing several years back on the Baker family from Page and Rappahannock counties here in Virginia. I hope to be able to attend the later service in Luray. God bless you in your loss.

My parents were young immigrants from China in the early 50's, struggling alone with new language and culture, and, to be honest, racism. Joe and Margaret decided that they were going to reach out to them, to show that there were caring people in this country. They did just that.

Over the years my parents would develop many friendships, usually with other Chinese families, but none of these lasted as long or were as deep as their friendship to Joe and Margaret.

No distance of language, nationality, or culture can stand in the way of a warm heart.

John, Susan, Simon and Avery
As you have your memorial service for Joe today, may the Lord surround all of you with his peace.
He was a special brother in law "brother". During our daily phone conversations, we talked about so many things.
I remember our trips to St. Louis. Joe and Margaret always made me feel at home and always had outings planned for us such as Busch Gardens, trip to the museum, etc. A special memory was the trip out for your wedding.
My memories of Joe are that he loved to laugh and he was a peaceful person.
I am sure by now there has been a celebration as he and Margaret reunited.
May you find comfort and peace in the memories of your dad.

John, I have known your Father for many, many years. He was a great friend, cousin and genealogy inspiration. I have volumes of letters and emails from your Father on our genealogical adventures. He certainly will be missed. You and your family are in our prayers and thoughts. [email protected]

Dear John and family,
Your father was such a wonderful person and will be greatly missed here at Manor Grove. My prayers go out to you and all of your family as you go through this. Now he is most likely reunited with Margaret and are watching over all of us.

The Baker Family - we have only known your father a short time at Manor Grove. He was a great person to talk to and he always asked if he was on time for lunch when he passed through the activity room where my wife and I always had lunch. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with your family.

So sorry for your loss John, time goes on but memories are forever.

John, Your father was a marvelous fellow who made great contributions to our world leavng it a better place for us all. I'm sure his proudest contribution is you. You wear his legacy well.

John & family,

You are in my thoughts and prayers.... mom really looked forward to talking with Uncle Joe every night, he will be missed. I have very fond memories of summers in NC. May God comfort you and give you His peace at this difficult time.

John and family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
I know you will miss your father.

Dear Family,
On behalf of the Monsanto Organic 2nd Street Retiree Group - We express our sympathy in the death of Joe. He was a member of our group when he was able to attend meetings and some us had e-mail contacts with Him in Manor Grove. I personally worked with Joe on a number of Monsanto Projects and had the highest respect for Him as a friend.

John, Susan, Simon and Avery,

Our deepest sympathy goes out to you all with the passing of Uncle Joe. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers during this time.

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

Farewell, father.