Larry Baker Obituary

Larry Baker Sr., 73, of Millersburg, Missouri, formerly of Mt. Olive, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home, after a courageous battle with Leukemia and Graft-Versus-Host Disease on May 26th, 2025. His passing on such a solemn day is a fitting tribute to a man who once quietly served his country as a United States Marine.
Born on October 26, 1951, in Granite City, Illinois, Larry was the son of Thomas "Gene" and Lorene Baker, both preceded him in death. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Mt. Olive, where Larry spent the majority of his life. He grew up alongside his two brothers, Tom (Linda, deceased) and Richard (Kay) Baker, who both survive him. The three were a handful as boys, but they were raised in a loving Christian home, attending the First Baptist Church of Mt. Olive.
Larry married the love of his life, Patricia (Jones) Baker, on October 9, 1976. Together, they built a life centered on faith, hard work, and family. They raised three children, who survive him: Theresa Baker, Larry Baker Jr., and Kelly (Rick) McClain.
A proud Marine, Larry, didn't often speak of his time in the service, but he carried the values of discipline, resilience, and quiet strength with him throughout his life. His dedication to duty continued long after he left the military. He was a lifelong hard worker-first as a coal miner, then with RP Lumber during mine shutdowns, and finally at Meek's in Columbia, Missouri after his retirement from mining.
Larry was never one to sit still, he built the homes his family lived in, chopped wood to heat those homes, and could always be found inventing or fixing something to make a job easier. One way or another, the job was getting done.
He worked night shifts during his children's high school years so he wouldn't miss a single game or event. While not always loud, he was always present-watchful from the stands and known for a whistle his kids could instantly recognize, whether one of praise or a nudge to step it up.
Larry's legacy lives on in his nine grandchildren: Jeffrey, Chelsea, Cody, Desiree, Dustin, Dylan, Logan, Damien, and Lily; and eleven great-grandchildren: Nolan, Kingston, Jaxx, Phoenix, Jaycee, Asher, Jessa, Gracelynn, Journee, Ellie, and Lincoln. His greatest joys came from time spent with family, completing a new project, evenings with his wife in the garage catching up on a Cardinals game, and listening to his favorite southern gospel music or reading his devotionals.
A man of deep faith, Larry loved the Lord with all his heart. Even in his final weeks, he shared the message of Christ with his nurses and caregivers. His faith never wavered, and his courage remained until the very end.
Larry will be remembered for his strength, his unwavering love for his family, his steadfast faith, and the deep bond he shared with his beloved wife, Patty.
Memorial services to celebrate Larry's life will be held at Maupin Funeral Home in Fulton, MO on June 2, 2025, at 2:00 pm with Marty Baumgartner officiating and full military honors.
Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until the time of service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Carrington Baptist Church, Fulton, MO, or The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society. c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Blvd, Fulton, MO 65251.
Condolences can be left for the family at www.maupinfuneralhome.com
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