Irvin Francis Baker

Irvin Francis Baker, age 87, passed away on Sunday, November 27, 2016 at the MS State Veterans Home in Oxford, surrounded by his family. He was born February 4, 1929 to Irvin and Mabel Shettles Baker. He was a graduate of Ecru High School, served in the Korean War, and retired from the U.S. Postal Service. After retirement, he worked at Jitney Jungle and Piggly Wiggly grocery stores, where he enjoyed meeting and greeting people. He was a Christian and loved his church, First United Methodist Church in Pontotoc, where he helped prepare the “Sunday Men’s Breakfast,” and loved serving others through the church. He was a member of the Civitan Club and served on the Board of Directors of HUD. He will be fondly remembered running through the streets of Pontotoc, greeting everyone that passed by, and spending time with his running buddies. “Baker” was also passionate about biking and swimming and was awarded numerous trophies from his many races, marathons, triathlons. He loved history and enjoyed reading his Bible.

Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church in Pontotoc with Rev. Kenneth Corley and Bro. Marcus Coward officiating; burial will follow in the Pontotoc City Cemetery. Browning Funeral Home in Pontotoc is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Laverlin “B” Ramsey Baker, his son, Trent Lee Baker (Connye), his two daughters, Tammye Baker Herring (Clyde) and Tina Baker Smith (Ray), four grandchildren, Tracye Baker Crane (Seth), Morgan Baker Veth (Andrew), Christopher Herring (Danley) and Jordan Herring, and five great-grandchildren, Joshua Crane, Anna Reid Crane, Charlotte Veth, Eleanor Veth and Cari Madsen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Clara Doris Burroughs and two brothers, Dr. Clayton Baker and William D. Baker.

Pallbearers will be, Pete Reeder, Johnny Busby, Joe Johnson, Joe Bryant, Johnny Campbell, and Dr. Charles Harrison. Honorary Pallbearers will be, Will Knight, Phillip Johnstone, Gene Clement, Roy Dillard, Bert Jackson, Ross Fleming, Conwell Duke, J.O. Ford, Gene Freeman, Johnny Gunter, Jimmy Wallace, Judge Jimmy Roberts and Thomas Chewe.

Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home and from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be offered at www.browningpontotoc.com