1927
Dr.
2018
Dr. Ralph S. Baker
August 1, 1927 — March 27, 2018
Tupelo- Dr. Ralph Stanley Baker passed away at his cottage at Traceway Retirement Community on Tuesday, March 27, 2018. He was born August 1, 1927, in LeRaysville, Pennsylvania, to Charles Vann and Clara Davis Baker. He graduated from LeRaysville High School, the University of Delaware and Purdue University where he received a PhD in plant physiology. His entire professional career was spent as an employee of Mississippi State University at the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, Mississippi, conducting research on weed control in cotton. Following his retirement, he formed Weed Away, which serviced residential and commercial properties.
While in Leland, he was an active member of the Leland United Methodist Church where he served in many capacities. He was a founding member of the first Board of Trustees of Leland Habitat for Humanity and actively participated in the construction of the first 23 houses built by that affiliate. He was a member of Leland Lions Club and served as president.
In 2006 he and his wife Mary Beth moved to the Traceway Retirement Community in Tupelo. Their cottage provided a great place to meet new friends and enjoy community activities. He was an active member of Tupelo First United Methodist Church. He continued his service activities by delivering Meals on Wheels and working in the Helping Hands Food Pantry.
Ralph was a quiet, humble man with a ready smile. His favorite activities involved piloting the several planes he owned in early years, jogging, hiking (especially the Appalachian Trail) and bicycle riding. He participated in numerous 10K races, several marathons, and twice completed triathlons. A particular joy was time spent with his children and grandchildren, especially around the dinner table.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Beth Baker; two daughters, Nancy Anderson (Andy) of Okolona and Diane Schallock (Mike) of Webster, North Carolina; four grandchildren, Van Anderson of Okolona, Jane Anderson of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Grant Schallock of San Antonio, Texas and Leslie Schallock of Staunton, Virginia; and one sister-in-law, Ruth Dickey of Marlton, New Jersey.
The family appreciates the concern and support received from the staff at North Mississippi Medical Center, NMMC Hospice, Traceway Retirement Community, Visiting Angels and his attending physicians, especially Dr. Daryl Schroeder.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Holloman Covenant Sunday School of First United Methodist Church, Tupelo.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. until service time Saturday, March 31, 2018, at W.E. Pegues, Tupelo.
A celebration of life will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 31, 2018, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of W.E. Pegues with Rev. Fred Britton officiating. Inurnment will follow in the First United Methodist Church Columbarium.
If desired, memorials in Ralph's memory may be made to Meals on Wheels of Mississippi Methodist Senior Services, 2800 West Main Street, Tupelo, MS 38801.
The services will be live streamed and recorded for those who may not be able to attend at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .
Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .
While in Leland, he was an active member of the Leland United Methodist Church where he served in many capacities. He was a founding member of the first Board of Trustees of Leland Habitat for Humanity and actively participated in the construction of the first 23 houses built by that affiliate. He was a member of Leland Lions Club and served as president.
In 2006 he and his wife Mary Beth moved to the Traceway Retirement Community in Tupelo. Their cottage provided a great place to meet new friends and enjoy community activities. He was an active member of Tupelo First United Methodist Church. He continued his service activities by delivering Meals on Wheels and working in the Helping Hands Food Pantry.
Ralph was a quiet, humble man with a ready smile. His favorite activities involved piloting the several planes he owned in early years, jogging, hiking (especially the Appalachian Trail) and bicycle riding. He participated in numerous 10K races, several marathons, and twice completed triathlons. A particular joy was time spent with his children and grandchildren, especially around the dinner table.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Beth Baker; two daughters, Nancy Anderson (Andy) of Okolona and Diane Schallock (Mike) of Webster, North Carolina; four grandchildren, Van Anderson of Okolona, Jane Anderson of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Grant Schallock of San Antonio, Texas and Leslie Schallock of Staunton, Virginia; and one sister-in-law, Ruth Dickey of Marlton, New Jersey.
The family appreciates the concern and support received from the staff at North Mississippi Medical Center, NMMC Hospice, Traceway Retirement Community, Visiting Angels and his attending physicians, especially Dr. Daryl Schroeder.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Holloman Covenant Sunday School of First United Methodist Church, Tupelo.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. until service time Saturday, March 31, 2018, at W.E. Pegues, Tupelo.
A celebration of life will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 31, 2018, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of W.E. Pegues with Rev. Fred Britton officiating. Inurnment will follow in the First United Methodist Church Columbarium.
If desired, memorials in Ralph's memory may be made to Meals on Wheels of Mississippi Methodist Senior Services, 2800 West Main Street, Tupelo, MS 38801.
The services will be live streamed and recorded for those who may not be able to attend at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .
Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com .
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dr. Ralph S. Baker, please visit our flower store.
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