Harold Lee Baker, 89, of Jonesboro passed from this life Monday, May 8, 2023, at St. Bernards Medical Center. Harold was born Jan. 6, 1934, on a farm near Alicia, to Leroy and Ethyl Baker.
Harold served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was proud of his service to the country. He married Geraldine Hurst from Strangers Home after he returned from the Army. He and Geraldine enjoyed traveling all over the United States together.
Harold graduated from Arkansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in education in 1958 and later earned a master’s degree and administrator’s certification. He was a teacher and a farmer for many years. In the latter part of his career as an educator, he became a principal and eventually a superintendent.
Harold was baptized at the age of 13 and had been a faithful member of the Church of Christ for 76 years with his later years being at Valley View Church of Christ in Jonesboro. He had also preached at the Minturn Church of Christ as well as filled in as a preacher for many congregations over the years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and by his brothers, Donald Baker, Jerry Dean Baker and Noel Baker.
Harold is survived by his wife of 66 years, Nina Geraldine Baker; sons, Vincent (Paula) Baker of Hoxie, Alan Baker of Jonesboro, Dwight (Sharon) Baker of Lonoke and Brent Baker of Irving, Texas; daughter, Beverly (David) Sluder of Jonesboro; grandchildren, Michelle Snedker, Jeremy Baker, Brittany Sellers, Mallory Sluder and Amber Long; seven great-grandchildren; his brother, Gary Baker; and sisters, Judy Barron and Jane Kelley.
Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Friday with services beginning at 11 a.m. at Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Spencer Furby and Paul Wallis will officiate the service. A private family burial service will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery in Jonesboro.