John T. Baker Jr., 79, of Independence, Missouri, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2016 at Blue Hills Rest Home in Independence. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 17th at New Salem Funeral Home, Independence; burial in Oak Ridge Memory Gardens, Independence. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
John was born March 21, 1937 in Kansas City, MO to parents John T. Baker Sr. and Ruth Baker. He graduated from Bishop Hogan High School. A lifelong Kansas City area resident, he lived in Independence for the past 48 years. John worked as a mailer at the Kansas City Star for 41 years, retiring in 1998. He served six years in the Missouri Army National Guard. John loved singing in his church choir, and did so for many years. He enjoyed all sports, especially bowling.
John was preceded in death by his loving wife Rita Baker; his parents; and his brother Robert Baker. Survivors include two daughters: Lori Baker and Cari Baker; son Jimmy Baker; daughter-in-law, Elise Baker; two grandchildren, Brianne Baker and Kimberlee Baker; and his sister, Barbara Davis.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Blue Hills Rest Home and Grace Hospice for their loving care and support and also suggest that memorials be made to either of them in John’s memory.
Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence MO 816-796-8600