Dr. Max Alden Baker

Dr. Max Alden Baker, a beloved 84-year-old man passed away peacefully on April 9, 2024 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Born on April 13, 1939, in Arcola, Missouri, he was the son of John Francis and Mildred Baker. At a young age, Dr. Baker’s father passed away, and his mother married, William “Bill” Turner, a wonderful man who Dr. Baker fully admired. He also grew up with his older sister, Carolyn Grider.

Dr. Baker led a life marked by service and compassion. He graduated from St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 1961, and then Washington University School of Medicine in 1966. He practiced in Missouri, Washington D.C., and New York, before settling in Fort Smith, Arkansas to begin his life’s work improving the lives of those affected by mental illness. Throughout his tenure, he provided life-changing treatment for those at Mercy Hospital, Harbor View Hospital, Perspective Behavioral Health System, Center for Psychiatry, and Center for Psychiatric Wellness.

Dr. Baker’s kindness and generosity touched the lives of all who knew him. He had a remarkable ability to make you feel heard without judgment. His random humming was infectious, and he had a way of brightening even the darkest of days with his smile and stunning blue eyes.

His personality shined while starring in many productions of the Little Theatre and the Red Stocking Revue. He found solace in his faith and spending time with others celebrating life’s moments. His adoration for family and friends was evident to all who knew him.

Of Dr. Baker’s many passions, his strongest was the love he had for his family. His family referred to him as “G-Dad”. Despite a busy schedule, G-dad always prioritized his loved ones. Whether it be cross-country phone calls, card games at the kitchen table, watching volleyball, or fishing trips, he was present (and usually winning at cards!)

G-Dad’s one true love was his wife, Peggy Baker. Married 58 years, those two are the cornerstone of unconditional love. They built and supported a family with their love and advice. Before every meal, we prayed as a family, and G-Dad always reminded us to go out and be kind to all others.

Dr. Baker is survived by his wife, Peggy Baker; children, Nancy Obana, Alicia Hammonds, and Adam Baker; daughter in law, Angi Baker; sister, Carolyn Grider; grandchildren, Patric Brennan, Ashley Huggins (and Darin Huggins), Abigail Obana, Peggy Jackson (and Matthew Jackson), Noah Baker, Addison Obana, and Emma Baker; and great-grandchildren: Sloane and Max Huggins, who will miss him dearly. He will also be fondly remembered by long-time family friends, Ken and Cinda Rusin, Dr. Joe Dorzab, Darin Morgan, and Richard Swearingen.

G-Dad's departure leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in eternal peace with his Savior, Jesus Christ.

A funeral to celebrate Dr. Baker's life will be held at 11:00 am Friday, April 12, 2024, at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Barling, Arkansas. Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rosary Service to follow at 7:00 pm. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery.