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Rev. Theodore Baker Sr.
Rev. Theodore Baker Sr.
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Theodore Baker Obituary
ANDERSON — The Rev. Theodore Baker Sr. passed away suddenly at Saint John's Medical Center on Thursday, March 24, 2010.
He was born in Valdosta, Ga., to Nathaniel and Rosa Lee (Matchett) Baker Sr. After graduating from high school, he moved to Detroit, Mich., to attend Wayne State University. This is where he met and married Mary Woods. They made their home in Saline, Mich., until moving to Anderson.
Theodore and his family came to Anderson to fulfill a call to ministry after working in private industry for 14 years and completing a tour of military duty. He first served Anderson University as a supervisor in the Physical Plant and then as University Bursar, a role he managed for 16 years. He then moved to the Development Office as the Director of Annual Programs. His responsibilities included scholarship development, engaging pastors and churches across the country, representing AU at state and regional minister and lay meetings, and directing the Matching Church Scholarship Program. In total, Ted invested 33 years of his life for the benefit of students and Anderson University.
Rev. Baker earned a bachelor's degree from Anderson University in 1972 and a Master's in Ministry from the AU School of Theology in 1976. He was ordained in the Church of God in 1981. He received many awards from community organizations, the Church of God, AU student groups, the AU Alumni Association, local churches and national church organizations. During their time in Anderson, he and his wife, Mary, have contributed greatly to the life and leadership of Sherman Street Church of God.
The Bakers were most recently honored in June 2009, with the Anderson University Heritage Award. He was also named "Man of the Year" by the Management Club of Madison County and again by the American Red Cross. Rev. Baker was Treasurer and Financial Advisor of the National Inspirational Youth Convention and Board Member of the National Association of the Church of God. He also served as Receiver for Community Action of Madison County.
Survivors include his wife, Mary M. Baker, whom he married Jan. 26, 1963, in Detroit, Mich.; children, Darryl Baker of Atlanta, Ga., Theodore (Janet) Baker, Jr. of Zionsville, Rebekah Irene Baker of Anderson, Stephen Carl Baker of Chicago, Ill., Mary Elizabeth (Baker) (Nabil) Boubissa of Anderson, and Leah Ann Baker of Bloomington; three brothers, Nathaniel Baker Jr. of Valdosta, Ga., Carl Baker of San Antonio, Texas, and J. Wayne Baker of Atlanta, Ga.; two sisters, Glorious Oakley of Quakertown, Pa., and Cynthia Dunn of Lithonia, Ga.; four grandchildren, Stephen, Aidan, Rayan and Kayla; and several nieces and nephews, other relatives and numerous friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Services will be held Saturday, April 3, at noon at Sherman Street Church of God, Anderson, with Dr. Edward L. Foggs and Dr. Leroy A. Quashie officiating, with the committal following at East Maplewood Cemetery Chapel. Military graveside rites will be conducted by VFW Post 266 Honor Guard.
Visitation will be Friday, April 2, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service. 229 Rangeline Road, Anderson, and on Saturday, April 3, beginning at 11 a.m. until the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Revs. Theodore and Mary M. Baker Sr. Endowed Scholarship Fund at Anderson University. Hotlink for Web donations to Anderson University: https://co.clickand pledge.com/sp/d1/default.aspx?wid=23207
E-mailed condolences may be sent to [email protected] or posted online at www.theheraldbulletin.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Debra Johnson
April 11, 2010
Dear Mary, Children, and the family,
Bro Ted will be greatly missed. His life was truly worthy of celebration. His compassion leadership and wisdom was a blessing to me and my family. May God comfort you all.
Gale & Ardythe Sayers
April 2, 2010
To Stephen Baker and family of Rev. Theodore Baker St.
We are sorry we cannnot be with you, our prayers and love go out to you and your family at this time of sorrow.
Love you,
Gale & Ardythe Sayers
Youssef et Nicole Bechim
April 1, 2010
Chère Mary, nous avons été attristés d'apprendre cette nouvelle. Sache que nous avons de sincères et chaleureuses pensées, pour toi, les enfants et toute ta famille.
Nous vous adressons à tous nos condoléances.
Nicole et Youssef (Annecy/ France)
Natalie DeGraffenreid
March 31, 2010
Sis Baker and family, I have a most wonderful memory of your husband and father and our last time together. The week of February the 4th, you (Sister Baker) and Brother Baker came to my sister ,Melita Gholstons house, to visit.It was a lovely visit. We sang some of the songs of our faith and talked a while and Brother Baker quoted my mothers favorite scripture. Sister Baker then led us in a wonderful prayer.My prayers are with your family. Love and Prayers
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Elsa Johnson Bass
March 31, 2010
Dear Mary and Children,
The passing of Brother Ted brought to mind so many memories of days at Anderson College. You both became
anchors to us during those days. Although we were away from home, you welcomed us, fed us and loved us. The Baker children became our little brothers and sisters and it was so much fun babysitting them.
Brother Ted modeled what a strong Christian man was
and impacted the lives of countless numbers of students
in his official roles at AU.
My prayers and loving thoughts are with you all as you celebrate the life of this amazing man!
Blessings and Peace!
Graham's Family
March 31, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Cindy Kennedy
March 30, 2010
Beckie & Family - I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you. I know your strong faith and know you will all get through this but that he will be terribly missed. Know that I love you and miss you and if you need anything, you know my number!
Lawrence Chewning
March 30, 2010
Dear Baker family,
I have very fond memories of knowing Ted when I was a student at Anderson College in the late 60's and early 70's. In 1970 a wonderful spontaneous revival occurred at South Meridian Church of God which lasted for 50 days and was an outgrowth of the Asbury Revival. I got to know Ted better during that time and always thought he was a warm, encouraging Christian man. I wish I had known him better, but we had luinch together about 10 years ago and it was a very pleasant experience. My prayers are with all of the family.
Lawrence Chewning, Florence, South Carolina
Hosea and Alycia Anderson
March 30, 2010
Dear Sister Baker and Family,
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Brother Baker. What a profound impact he made on our lives as members of Sherman Street Church of God and as we journeyed through Anderson University. Brother Baker was a man of immense kindness, insight, and wisdom. What a great joy it was to know him. May you experience the peace of God in this time of bereavement.
In His Love,
Brenda Dockery
March 30, 2010
Oh Becki, I am so sorry to hear this.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You have spoken of your family often and I know the love and strength you all have will carry you through this difficult time.
Brenda Dockery
Daletta McGraw-Payne
March 30, 2010
Dear Mary and Children,
I will always have fond memories of my times at Anderson because of Ted and yourself. It seems so many years ago that I used to babysit for Teddy, Rebecca and Stephen. You watched me grow up and I watched the 3 oldest grow up. Anderson "College" will always have special memories of the legacy that the Bakers started at the college.
Ross & Delana Craig
March 30, 2010
To the Baker Family.
Mary and all, I am so shocked at hearing of Ted's passing. All I can do at the moment would be to repeat all of the wonderful words others have written. I was looking forward to seeing Ted in June at NAC. We will all miss him greatly. Our peryers are with you.
Beth (Alfrey) Smith
March 29, 2010
I would like to send my condolences to the entire Baker family. I went to school with Leah and Mary. Leah and I were pretty good friends in middle school and she was a very sweet friend. Then, later in life, I had the pleasure of having Mr. Baker for Liberal Arts Seminar my freshman year at Anderson University. There was a point in that class when he read one of my papers out loud and said the author had a "song in her heart". I will never forget that or forget him! You will all be in my thoughts and prayers!
Jasmine Lee
March 29, 2010
Mrs.Baker I'm so...sorry in the passing of your husband Rev.Baker. You all have been so kind ever since I met you some years ago while I was in the youth group at Sherman St. Please know I'm praying for you, and that I love you dearly. Be encourage in the days and weeks that lie ahead for you. Love you so much!!!
Dale McGraw
March 29, 2010
Our family has many fond memories of visiting with Ted and Mary and their family. I still remember encouraging Ted to go to A.C. The Baker family friendship started in the early 1960"s and will continue forever. Dr. Dale McGraw
Dave McGraw
March 29, 2010
Mary,
I just heard about Ted's passing. He was so kind and helpful to me when I was in college that I will always have fond memories of the Baker family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. As for the Woods Sisters, Mary, you were always my favorite singer!
Rolland and Ellen Daniels
March 29, 2010
Dear Mary and Family,
What a dear, dear man Ted was! We have always thought so highly of you both, and have utmost respect. May God bless you with His awesome undeniable presence as you journey through these next few weeks and months. Blessings of Peace to you all.
March 29, 2010
All of us at RAI of Daleville are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Julia (Streaty) Lewis
March 28, 2010
May God Bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sue Kinley
March 28, 2010
I just heard of Ted's passing. I know it has been years since I have seen the family but there are so many fond memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Fred and Kay Shively
March 28, 2010
Mary and all of the children, We are deeply saddened by the loss of Ted. We have had a great deal of respect and admiration for Ted--as well as for all of you. We're grateful for the friendship and working relationships we've had over the years. We regret that our paths haven't crossed as much as we'd have liked in the past few years, but know that our affection for all of you remains strong. May God's comfort and peace be with you.
Elaine & Bill Jerrils
March 28, 2010
Our sincere condolences to your entire family as you mourn the loss of husband and dad. Ted certainly left his mark in Anderson and AU especialy. We both remember well when your young family first arrived in Anderson - and Ted's picture jumps off the page, as always the distinguishd and loving man that he was.
Andrea and Brayden Presser
March 28, 2010
To the Baker family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. To Becky, Steve, and young Teddy, I will think of you often and pray for understanding and peacefulness in your loss.
March 28, 2010
Mary and family, please accept my condolences in the loss of Ted. I really enjoyed knowing your family as I met Mary and Leah at Park Place Elementary. May God be with all of you! Norma Dial
J.R, Martin
March 27, 2010
Rev. Baker was an awesome man of God. Thankyou to the Baker family for your support at the WIlson Boys and girls club. Take your rest Rev. Baker
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