Jerry Baker, 85, passed away on April 4, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, leadership, and lifelong learning.
Born April 22, 1940, to John and Ethel (Roberts) Baker, Jerry lived a life defined by purpose and commitment to others. A man of deep and abiding faith, he devoted himself to the Church of the Nazarene, where he shared his gifts of music and teaching, touching countless lives through ministry and mentorship.
Jerry’s professional life reflected his passion for education and people. He spent more than a quarter of a century as an Illinois public school administrator, shaping schools and guiding students and staff alike. After leaving the public school system, he continued his work in higher education as a college campus coordinator, where he was honored as Adjunct Instructor of the Year. While at Carl Sandburg College, Jerry also served as a corporate trainer, teaching communication processes to staff and leadership at a leading American automobile electronics production company.
A lifelong learner and teacher, Jerry also built a successful career in real estate, holding licenses in Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri for more than 25 years. He served as a training instructor for the Illinois Real Estate Association, teaching required re-licensure courses and mentoring professionals in the field.
Jerry’s dedication to service extended deeply into his communities. Over more than 30 years in local government, he served the city of Warsaw, Illinois, as a library board member for nine years, city councilman, building inspector, and twice-elected mayor. After relocating to Savannah, Missouri, his commitment continued through service on the Park Board and five years on the City Council. From 2005 until his retirement in 2017, Jerry served northwest Missouri as a Community Development Specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, helping communities grow and thrive. He spent 13 years with Illinois Extension. He was also an active member of Rotary, living out a life centered on service above self.
An entrepreneur at heart, Jerry owned four businesses throughout his life—three in the greenhouse, floral, gift, and antiques industries, and one in retail food. He was also a published author, contributing to national, state, and local magazines and newspapers.
On August 16, 1959, Jerry married the love of his life, Lucille (Watson) Baker. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. She preceded him in death, along with his parents, his sister Alberta Selfridge, and his brother Donald Baker.
Jerry is survived by his sons, Brian (Kristin) Baker of Kahoka, Missouri, and Bruce (Jamie) Baker of Savannah, Missouri; his daughter, Tammy (Jim) Bock of Centennial, Colorado; and nephews Richard (Karen) of Clovis, CA, and Greg (Pam) James of Tifton, GA. He was a proud grandfather to Christopher, Cory, Morgan, and Aaron Baker; Brendan, Brookelyn, and Lily Hahl; Isabella Archuletta; Emma Bock; Zoe and Elizabeth James; Rebecca Horne; Lindi Smith; Elizabeth Rawson and Cheyenne Kelly, and a great-grandfather to fifteen. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Jerry will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his servant’s heart, his love of teaching, and the profound impact he made on his family, his church, and his communities. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.
Funeral services will be 11:00am Friday April 10, 2026 at Breit-Hawkins Funeral Home in Savannah, MO. Visitation and family receiving hour will be 10:00am--11:00am Friday April 10, 2026 at Breit-Hawkins Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Savannah Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to First Church of the Nazarene, St. Joseph, Andrew County Foundation, or Andrew County Rotary Club.
