Pare D. “Ace” Baker, Jr.
Pare D. "Ace" Baker, Jr.
Graveside services for Pare Daily “Ace” Baker, Jr., 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 22, 2020 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Baker passed away 7:59 a.m., Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at his home.
He was born December 15, 1932, at Batesville, Arkansas, to Pare D. Baker, Sr. and Rebecca Mae DePriest Baker. On March 15, 1957, he was married at West Plains, Missouri, to Mary Jo Smith. Mr. Baker was a veteran, having served with the United States Navy. Before his retirement he was the Assistant Parks and Recreation Director for the City of West Plains. He enjoyed playing golf, hunting and gardening. He never met a stranger. Ace loved his children, grandchildren and the love of his life, Mary Jo.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Baker, of the family home; two children, Vicky Deatherage and husband, Dr. Ted Deatherage and Kenny Baker and wife, Jackie, all of West Plains; seven grandchildren, Samantha, Corey, Jazlynn, Kayla, Tim, Tonya and Alec; four great-grandchildren, Makenna, Haily, Mikah and Ellaina Jo; one sister-in-law, Sherrel Baker; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents and three brothers, Homer, Joe and James “Red” Baker, preceded him in death.
Mr. Baker will lie in state from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Dianna Weaver
March 18, 2020 @ 5:39 pm
To Mary Jo and family, Heartfelt sympathy to your family in your loss of husband, father, gtandfather. Ace was a great guy and always laughing and having fun. I had not seen him a long time but remember him fondly.
Amber(Cozort)Redburn
March 18, 2020 @ 8:13 pm
Mary Jo, Vicky/Ted, Kenny/Jackie and Families,
We want to extend our deepest sympathy to all of you upon the loss of Ace. He will always be remembered as having a Smile on his face and a joke to brighten ones day. Our prayers/thoughts are with each one of you during this time. May God comfort,encourage, and support each one of you daily. May God bless each one of you.
In Christian Love,
Tim, Amber(Cozort), and Corby Redburn
Norris/Ivene Cozort
Hassel and Alice Vandergriff
March 18, 2020 @ 9:27 pm
We are so sorry for your loss. I remember you guys well from the old S. Hill St. neighborhood. He will be missed. God bless.
Darrell Jarman
March 19, 2020 @ 6:56 am
My deepest sympathy to Mary Jo and all the family.
Larry and Pam Coffman
March 19, 2020 @ 3:32 pm
Mary Jo and family. So very sorry for your loss. Lots of fond memories of Ace. I still laugh when remembering him honking at the Quill. May God give you all strength and comfort during this time. Hugs and prayers.
Melody Lewis
March 19, 2020 @ 8:18 am
So sorry for you loss. I remember whenever he came into our work he was always so nice & funny. Thoughts & prayers.
Dottie Newman Biring
March 19, 2020 @ 1:26 pm
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for the family and friends. I remember him through my mom and dad when I was a kid. Very nice man
David and Carrie Thompson
March 19, 2020 @ 4:55 pm
Oh. Mary Jo so sad to hear, but know he needed to be away from pain and suffering. Will pray for you and family as you say goodbye to your loved one. He was certainly one of a kind and much liked in the community. Love you. David and Carrie
Randall Terry
March 20, 2020 @ 4:18 pm
Mary Jo, I always enjoyed the funny stories you told about Ace when we worked together years ago. Brenda and I send our sympathy to you and your family.
Bud and Marie Nale
March 20, 2020 @ 9:57 pm
Mary Jo and Family, we are so sorry for your lost. Your are in our thoughts and prayers. You have our deepest sympathy.
peggy rhoads
March 23, 2020 @ 10:36 am
to mary jo and family, sorry to hear about ace he will greatly be miss.he was a great guy god bless you all
dennis crider
March 24, 2020 @ 3:25 pm
I just found out about Ace today (March 23) and am so sorry. We had many good times together mainly playing golf. He was genuinely one of a kind and he will be missed, and I wish you and your family the richest blessings.
Eva Jane Johnston
March 27, 2020 @ 3:58 pm
Mary Jo, you have all of my sympathy. What a lovely family you must have. I miss you…
Eva Jane Johnston
Shirley Click
March 30, 2020 @ 8:35 am
Mary Jo I was so very sorry to hear about Ace. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. Shirley and Randall Click