Richard Baker

Richard William Baker, 71, of Jackson passed peacefull Monday, July 29, 2019, at Southeast Hospital after a yearlong battle with cancer.

He was born April 10, 1948, to Elizabeth Annabelle Elliott and Dwight Leo Baker in Ironton, Missouri. On Dec. 28, 1975, he married Judy Glastetter, who survives him.

Richard was a 1966 graduate of Cape Girardeau Central High School and a 1972 graduate of the University of Missouri at Columbia, earning a master's degree in mathematics. He was a lifelong educator, teaching at both Cape Central and Jackson High schools.

In 1979, he joined the U.S. Air Force, completing his service in 1986 as captain. He was stationed all over the country, including the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado; the Pentagon, where he utilized the world's largest computer in the mid-1980s; Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi; and Scott Air Force Base in St. Clair County, Illinois.

Upon returning home to the area, he was hired at Lone Star Industries cement plant (now Buzzi Unicem) in 1989 and remained there as process engineer, environmental supervisor and shift foreman until his retirement in 2018.

Richard was an avid golfer, but his true talent and gift was woodworking. He built many pieces of furniture for family and loved ones that will be cherished for years to come. Most recently, he had developed a passion for collecting and restoring vintage woodworking tools. He was a true artisan and an excellent representative of the craftsmanship in the trade.

Richard is survived by his wife, Judy Baker of Jackson; sons, Mark Richard (Kim) Baker of Jackson (from a previous marriage to Patricia Kaye Schenimann Bradshaw), and Anthony "Tony" Garett Baker of Washington, D.C.; as well as his grandchildren, Austin, Victoria and Ryan Baker.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister, Jennifer Ann; and a son, Benjamin Justin Baker.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Jackson.

A private memorial service will be held at the family farm at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in his memory to Kimbeland Country Club in Jackson.