Gerald William Baker passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on January 11, 2025. He and his twin were born on August 25, 1939 in Ventura, California, to Virginia and Tommie Baker. Gerald and Harold won many twin contests as toddlers and young children; such events were popular in California at that time. The twins attended historic Santa Paula High School, which was founded in 1889 by the Congregational Church, before becoming a public school. Gerald was a star athlete, excelling at basketball, baseball, and football. In addition, he played the saxophone in the school band. He attended Ventura College on an athletic scholarship. Gerald became a union man, joining the United Brotherhood of Carpenters; furthermore, he also worked on ceilings. The latter work earned several awards.

Gerald, also known as "Pappy" by the family and "The Cross Man" for his work handcrafting wooden crosses from cedar, impacted many lives. He was always one to help, be it strangers, friends, or family. One example is his cooking breakfast for the homeless at "Under the Bridge." He was involved in the building of the chapel for a local church. He also volunteered his time coaching the young men's athletic teams at church.

Additionally, he contributed to multiple charities, among them organizations such as Disabled American Veterans, St. Jude Hospital for Children, and The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He loved animals--wild ones as well as pets. He also enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and attending sporting events. But most of all, he loved God, his home at "Baker's Acres," and his family.

He fell in love with and married his high school sweetheart, Linda Adams. Together, they had two cherished daughters: Elisabeth and Carrie.

He found a second love in Joanne DeBlock. They were married, and three more precious children were added to the family: Renè, Larry, and David.

Over the years, beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren joined the family. Gerald was and is still loved and appreciated by everyone in his family and by many friends.

He is survived by his daughters, Carrie, Elisabeth (Keith), and Renè; sons, Larry (Debbie) and David (Natalie); sisters, Cletis (Tack) and Kathy; sister-in-law, Cindy (Harold);  grandchildren, Sebastian, and Audrianna, Serena (Jace), Kristen (Erick), Kayleigh (Phillip), Felicia (Quinten), and Lily; nieces and nephews, Stacey (Scott), Sean, Allison, Jason, Ryan, Jeremy, Adam, and Brad; great-grandchildren, Bella, Isaac, Hadlie, Jenson, Kyler, Cadence, Tristen, and Beckham; cousin, Bill; and grandnieces and nephews, Cameron, Tyler, Joshua, Dezi, Bunny, Casey, Ajay, Sam, Jack, Dylan, Maddison, Gage, Kayla, Lindsey, and Ashley.

Gerald was predeceased by his wife Joanne, parents Virginia and Tommie, stepparents, Jack and Maude; twin brother, Harold; cousin, Pat, grandson, Kyle, and granddaughter, Genevieve.

Caregivers Amanda, Tracey, Gerald, and Matthew became like a second family, and we are grateful for their loving help over the past year.

Gerald adored his family with a kind heart and a generous soul. We who are left behind will endeavor to carry on his legacy of philanthropy and compassion toward others who come into our lives.

In this spirit, we would ask, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the charity of your choosing or that you honor Gerald by volunteering your time with a cause that you would deem worthy.

A celebration of Gerald's life will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Park Mausoleum in Jacksonville, Arkansas, on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 2 p.m. A gathering to commemorate Gerald will be held at his home following the celebration. Everyone is welcome to bring a sweet treat for sharing with family and friends.