Otis Jerry Baker

Otis "Jerry" Baker, 83, of Brandon, Mississippi, passed to be with the Lord at the VA Medical Center in Jackson on July 8, 2025.

Born on Christmas Day in 1941, Jerry lived a life defined by faith, service, and devotion to those he loved. He was a longtime member of Oakdale Baptist Church and carried his beliefs with quiet strength and humility. Jerry was a devoted father, brother, uncle, and friend who demonstrated his faith not just in words, but in his daily actions through service, compassion, and steady love.

Jerry served honorably in the United States Air Force from May 10, 1962, to May 9, 1966, achieving the rank of Airman First Class (A1C). He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and received an honorable discharge. His years in service reflected the kind of man he was: disciplined, capable, and steadfast.

After returning home to Mississippi, Jerry built a life grounded in hard work, humility, and love. He found joy in life’s simple blessings: family dinners, quiet days in the woods, and honest work. An avid hunter, Jerry cherished the peace of the outdoors and passed down his deep respect for nature and tradition to those around him. He was a proud union member of the local 114, where he once served as vice president. He believed deeply in the dignity of work and the importance of standing up for others.

In later years, Jerry retired early to lovingly care for his baby brother, Duck, during his final days while he was confined to a wheelchair, until Duck’s death. When his brother Tom was in the hospital in Vicksburg, Jerry, feeling the call of familial compassion again, took Tom’s wife, Merle, to visit him every day. He also supported his brother Boo through his various endeavors with steadfast friendship and support. He was the epitome of selflessness and showed the depth of his devotion to family through his unwavering love and care.

He is survived by his daughter, Karen Baker (Sandi); his brother, Walter "Boo" Baker, and wife Jan Baker; and his sister-in-law, Merle Baker, widow of his brother Tom. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Missy Baker McKee (Jack), Brent Baker (Lori), Brian Baker, and Dustin Baker (Lonna); and by his great-nieces and great-nephews: Davis McKee, Maddie McKee, Simms Baker, Charles Baker, Vivian Baker, Maloy Baker, Mary Meyers Baker, Chapel Baker, Reece Baker, and Grant Baker. He is also survived by Craig Bowman (Annell) and Gary Bowman (Angie), the sons of his late life partner, Shirley Ann Ware Bowman, whom he loved and cared for as family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Otis H. Baker; his mother, Frances S. Baker; his brothers, Thomas "Tom" L. Baker and Hubert "Duck" Baker; and his life partner, Shirley Ann Ware Bowman.

Jerry will be remembered as a man of quiet faith, deep loyalty, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the example he set.

Visitation will be held at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon Saturday, July 12, starting at 10:00 am with a service to follow at noon in the chapel. Graveside will be held after, at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Pearl.

In Lieu of Flowers, please make a donation to a local charity to support wildlife conservation or disabled veterans.

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1–2