Obituary of Dr. Edward Denis Baker

Funeral services for Dr. Edward Denis Baker are scheduled for 2 PM Sunday, January 31, 2021 in the chapel of Golden Funeral Home with Rev. Lisa Mayo and Bro. Tim Post officiating. Interment will follow in Christ Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 5 PM - 7 PM at Golden Funeral Home. Dr. Baker was born December 15, 1927 in Crowville, LA to William Register Baker and Ella Betz Baker. On January 27, 2021, at his home surrounded by family, he fell asleep in the arms of Jesus to dwell in his eternal home with his Lord and Savior. Following his graduation from Crowville High School in 1945, Dr. Baker continued his education at LA Tech, graduating in 1949. It was there that he met his future wife, Emma-Rose Larche. In 1950, he entered the United States Army where he served as an x-ray technician and a medic in Korea. His interest in medicine piqued during this time. He continued in the Army Reserve from 1952-1956 during which time he began medical school. In 1958, he completed Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. He moved to Bastrop in 1960 and began his medical practice, opening his private practice, at 221 W. Hickory Street, His medical general practice consisted of treatment for all ages and medical conditions, general surgery, OB/GYN, pediatrics, orthopedics, and house calls. It is estimated that Dr. Baker delivered over 3,500 babies during his career. Throughout his life, Dr. Baker enjoyed a variety of hobbies and activities. He loved to “piddle” on anything that was broken. He introduced his children to boating and skiing at a young age, an activity they still enjoy today, having taught their own children and grandchildren in the same manner. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and owned a Harley in college along with several others throughout the years. He often rode his motorcycle to his office and the hospital. In the 1970's, he became increasingly interested in flying airplanes, and in 1978 at the age of 50, he received his private pilot’s license. Dr. Baker owned two airplanes, a red and white Cessna 150 and a Cherokee Six. He enjoyed sharing his love for flying with others. Throughout the years, many people were taught, guided, and molded by his patience and enthusiasm. He was never too busy to lend a helping hand or offer advice. Additionally, Dr. Baker was instrumental in the founding and continuing preservation of Prairie View Academy. He served for over 28 years on the Board of Directors and helped the school begin a band program by purchasing and donating instruments so that all children could have the opportunity to participate. He was incredibly proud of the PVA Band and occasionally, a recording he made of the “National Anthem” performed by the 1976 Spartan Band is played prior to sporting events. For 47 years, Dr. Baker was the team doctor for PVA sports, and he always enjoyed traveling with the team to games. On the sideline or in the bleachers, he was always ready with his medical bag to come to the aid of anyone, whether an athlete or spectator. To honor his contributions to PVA, “The Dr. E.D. Baker Award” is given to a deserving male or female athlete each year to recognize their achievement in both academics and sports. An humble man, he was pleasantly surprised when the Spartan Stadium was officially renamed the “Dr. E.D. Baker Field” during a football half-time celebration in 2003. Above all, Dr. Baker loved all people. He rarely missed a funeral service, faithfully made housecalls, checked on friends and patients in the nursing homes, cared for students at school, and kept in close contact with the families of the patients he served. He was not only dedicated to his family and career but also to the service of God. He was a true Christian and faithful to the First United Methodist Church. Dr. Baker was a dedicated physician, an obliging neighbor, a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a friend to all. In his soft-spoken manner, he provided love and wisdom through his words and actions. He will forever be respected and loved. Dr. Baker was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of 39 years, Emma-Rose Larche Baker; and his siblings William Register Baker, John Betz Baker, Wallace Stewart Baker, Glenn Cordill Baker, and Patrick Waylon Baker. Dr. Baker is survived by his sister, Ella Margaret Baker Humble; his three children, Rose-Marie Baker, Edward Denis Baker, Jr. Annette Baker Ogden (Jim). He is also survived by three grandchildren, James Edward Ogden (Renee), Jason Ross Ogden, Anne-Marie Ogden, and three great grandchildren, Russell James Ogden, Aiden Christopher Ogden and Barron Baker Ogden. Sincere gratitude is given to his caregivers, Margie Ray and Dorothy Dukes and also to his longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Carter Cox. Dr. Baker was welcomed home into the loving arms of Jesus who said, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First United Methodist Church, Prairie View Academy, St. Jude Childrens Hospital, Morehouse Humane Society, or charity of your choice.