William "Will" Baker, Jr.

Will Baker, age 78, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025.

Beloved son of Ann “Lucy” Baker and the late William R. Baker Sr. Brother of the late John A. Baker (the late Gail). Uncle of Brit Baker. Also survived by other loving relatives and friends.

Will was born in Panama and came to the U.S. with his parents and brother at 3 years of age. He grew up in Algiers with a large group of friends with whom he remained close to his entire life. A car accident left him paralyzed from the neck down at age 19. Will went on to earn a BA and MBA from UNO. He then worked for the state for 28 years, first in the billing department at Charity Hospital and then in IT at Belle Chasse State School.

Will was an avid sports fan. He had season tickets for years to the Saints games and to UNO baseball and basketball. He also followed the Pelicans, Zephyrs, and Tulane teams.

With the help of his devoted krewe of friends, Will’s van and wheelchair could be regularly found at festivals, celebrations, street parties, restaurants and whatever was going on in New Orleans.

He was a long-time member and past President of the Algiers Lions Club.

Fun, loving and funny, he was a role model for us all, demonstrating never-ending patience, acceptance and resilience as he dealt with his physical challenges.

He never let his disability define him. He lived a full and wonderful 59 years in the wheelchair because of the incredible amazing daily loving care provided by his devoted mother. He was an inspiration to all he met.

Donations in lieu of flowers, can be made in his loving memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).

Visitation will be held at Mothe Funeral Home, 1300 Vallette Street, Algiers, LA on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 10 AM to 11 AM. A Funeral Mass will follow. Interment will be in Restlawn Park Cemetery in Avondale, LA

Family and friends are invited to share condolences and memories by visiting: www.mothefunerals.com.