Elton Baker's Obituary
Elton Kenneth Baker was born on September 22, 1917 during a time of world conflict. He lived his life in service of Christ as a United Methodist Minister in the Memphis Conference and passed peacefully into the gates of heaven on October 26, 2016. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Billie Jean (BJ) Felder Baker, son Ken Baker (Karen) of Atlanta, GA and grandchildren Brad and Maggie; and step-sons, Terry (Terri Jean), David (Gina) and grandchildren Ashton, Tristen, Taylor and great-granddaughter Heidi, and Tarra (Brian) Kruzan, great-granddaughters Ivy and Tula.Elton, or Brother Baker, as he was known to congregations in Pinson, McLemoresville, Lexington, Jackson and Memphis, was the son of the late John Cyrus and Lizzie Jane Baker of the Baker’s Chapel Community. He was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Margaret Elizabeth Goodrich, sister Virgie Mae Baker Barnett and brother Dewey Omar Baker.Elton served in WWII and often regaled his family and friends about his adventures in the fledging Army Air force as an airplane engine mechanic stationed in North Africa and India. He was proud of his service and often noted that for a poor farm boy from west Tennessee, he had circumnavigated the world and crossed the equator twice.Always active in his church, Trinity United Methodist, Elton received his call to the ministry while working with Colonial Bakery. Unsure of how to answer the calling he sought advice from his pastor, VH Burnette, who encouraged him to follow his spirit. He graduated from Lambuth College and pursued a Divinity Degree at Emory University in Atlanta. His ministry spanned over 46 years and touched the lives of thousands of people throughout west Tennessee.In addition to serving as pastor of local congregations, he was appointed to lead the Missions program for the Memphis Conference. His ministry was greatly aided by his wife Margaret who also graduated from Lambuth. Although when they wed in 1937, she had no idea she would be the wife of a minister, she became his greatest asset and became involved in many church and social functions in each community where they served together. One of their fondest memories was a trip to the Holy Land, Rome and Athens arranged by the congregation of St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church in Memphis.Until his passing, Elton and BJ resided in Bartlett where they enjoyed the company of neighbors and visits from family. Elton enjoyed a delightful 90th birthday celebration where family from near and far joined friends to wish him well and celebrate a life well lived. He was so honored in his last months by visits, cards, calls and well wishes by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, niece and friends, and especially by theloving care provided by the team at Crossroads Hospice. He will be missed by us, but will remain a part of those left behind.Services will be held at St. Stephens United Methodist on Macon Road in Memphis on Sunday, October 30, 2016 at 1:00 PM with a brief grave side service at Memphis Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, it would be Elton’s wish that donations be sent to Crossroads Hospice, 1669 Shelby Oaks Drive, Suite 106, Memphis, 38134 or St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 3981Macon Road, Memphis, 38127
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