ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LA. Obituary for: BAKER, JEFFERSON WILLIAM, SR Submitted by: Louis Lavedan. Source: Honaker Funeral Home, Slidell, La. Died: Friday, December 19, 2014 ======================================================================= Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgenweb.org/volunteers/copyright.shtml ======================================================================= BAKER, JEFFERSON WILLIAM, SR December 19, 2014 ========== A photo is available for this file. Please go to http://usgwarchives.net/la/sttammany/obits/dateobits/2014/st1412.htm and click to view list of photos. ========== Jefferson William Baker Sr. left this world to be received by the Elders and Saints and reside in the presence of our Glorious God on Friday, December 19, 2014. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and Robert, his brother Bruce Jr., his in-laws Emma and Bill, his favorite Aunt Ruth and Uncle Bud, his beloved wife of 55 years Patsy (2006) and many friends. Jeff left behind 4 children: Jefferson William Baker Jr. (Lisa), Carol Ruth Baker, Brian Davis Baker (Karen) and Susanna Amanda Petoskey (Jody). Jeff was the grandfather of nine: JP and Theresa (Bill): Asha, Paul and Casey Mae (Susie): Rebecca and Joshua (Brian): Hannah and Jesse (Carol). Jeff was the great grandfather of 8: Andres (Asha), born on Pat’s birthday; Maya and Lily (Casey Mae); Tayen, Kaia and Paulie (Paul); Logan and Riley (Rebecca). Baby Jimmy, # 9 great grandchild, missed Great Grand Dad by a few hours, and was born on December 20, 2014 (Casey Mae and Jim). Jeff was a creative, brilliant thinker and designer. An engineer by education, holding two Master of Engineering degrees, and trade, he spent the bulk of his working life designing automotive and marine engines for Chrysler. In the 1960’s he was instrumental in the design of Chrysler’s cross-ram intake manifold which so dramatically improved engine performance that a variation of this design is found in nearly every new car today. He also led Chrysler’s development of automotive engines in boat applications and pioneered development of their jet-drive propulsion systems. Jeff believed in hard work and in having fun. A talented musician and trombone player, he loved music and was an integral part of the band Joyful Noise up until a year before his passing. Jeff loved to camp and participated in multiple extended family, church and Scout camping adventures. Jeff was one of the first to popularize jogging; he and Patsy were sailors and went on many sailing adventures together. Jeff loved his many dogs, reading, music, church activities, service activities and the outdoors. Pat and Jeff were also active in the Crusillo movement for many years. Jeff’s priorities were: God, family, friends, then community. He was active in multiple church activities including serving communion to shut-ins, choir, Sunday School and Men’s Group. He supported many humanitarian efforts, both with labor and monetarily, including especially Habitat for Humanity and various projects supporting his church, Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Jeff lived for 8 years after the passing of his beloved Patsy; he sorely missed her, his best friend. Jeff wrote “We are totally convinced that our spirits will remain connected forever on into eternity.” During these later years Jeff was supported by a broad and beloved group of friends and neighbors, especially the Hoppe family and the Baham family. Memorial services will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 360 Robert Blvd., Slidell, LA on Wednesday, January 14, 2015, at 2 PM, immediately followed by a light reception at the church. Jeff’s ashes will be inurned at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 1751 Gause Blvd. West, Slidell, LA, Garden of New Testament, St. John’s Section, Lot 17, Grave 16. In lieu of flowers, donations to the East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity, 747 Old Spanish Trail, Slidell, LA, 70458, are preferred. Jeff wrote of Pat “She is soaring and singing and just having a very joyful time – I feel it!” His favorite Scripture, Psalm 118:14: “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” We believe that Dad is now also soaring and having a joyful time as well – we feel it! ===================