Tuesday, Aug. 23
August 23, 2011Thursday, Aug. 25
August 25, 2011
Joseph Rodney Baker Sr., 89, a native of Crowley, La., and resident of Morgan City, La., died Monday, Aug. 22, 2011.
Mr. Baker was one of America’s and World War II’s quiet heroes. He joined the U.S. Navy at the beginning of the war and served until the Japanese surrender in 1945. He was a proud member of the famed U.S. Naval Air’s PBY “Black Cat” Squadron and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and two U.S. Navy Air Medals for heroism while serving in the Pacific Theater of Operations. He loved to teach and helped numerous people in the Morgan City area to read and write English and as a member of the St. Mary Parish AARP taught classes in conversational Cajun French. His enjoyment of life brought smiles and laughter to his family and friends and he will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his daughter, Sandy (Terry) Mayon; sons, Ronnie and Mike (Carla) Baker; 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clebert and Leona Baker; wife, Shirley Baker; son, Gregory Baker Sr.; sister, Hilda Simon; and brother, Harry Baker.
Burial was at Morgan City Cemetery. (Hargrave)
