Jerry Lee Baker, Jr., 69, Linn, departed this life to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, at his residence.
He was born on Oct. 1, 1956, son to Jerry L. Baker, Sr. and Bennie (Wilmot) Baker, in Covina, Calif.
He attended school in Carl Junction and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Lincoln University in 1995 with a major in Education and a minor in Business Administration.
Jerry proudly served his country in the U. S. Navy.
He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Vasquez on March 29, 2003, in Belle.
Jerry was employed as a Special Education teacher, a project manager for Wavco Construction in Jefferson City, a Regional Logistic Specialist for Maple Resources Corporation in Dallas, Texas, Vice President of Operations for Coal Innovations, LLC in Stoystown, Pa. from 2006 to 2010, and owner/operator of Panadero Home Maintenance and Energy Systems, LLC in Linn from 2010 until 2015. He also served as Osage County Assessor from 2015 until his retirement in 2021 due to his declining health.
Jerry was a member of Phi Alpha Theta Historical Society, and the Republican Party.
His enjoyment of fishing, hunting and woodworking carried over from his childhood, when he engaged in those activities with his father and brothers.
Studying history and working with horses were passions he developed later in life. Jerry was a great mentor to younger people stemming from his time as a special education teacher. Above all, his greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family and friends.
Jerry was preceded in death by brother, Raland Baker.
He is survived by wife of 23 years, Elizabeth; parents, Jerry, Sr. and Bennie of Baton Rouge, La.; sons, Joshua and Elijah Baker, both of Linn; grandson, Aiden Baker; brother, Edward Baker and wife Kathy of Baton Rouge, La.; sisters, Melody Musser and husband David of Niantic, Conn. and Gina Meyerhardt of St. Louis; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.
Per Jerry’s wishes his body has been cremated. The family will hold a Celebration of Life Service with Full Military Honors at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept.19, at St. Michael Cemetery in Bland.
Memorial contributions suggested to Tunnel2Towers.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
