June 25, 1940 – October 14, 2023
Dr. Fred Eugene (Gene) Baker went to meet his heavenly father on October 14, 2023. He was 83 years old. Gene was a Professional Engineer in every sense of the word and his ability to build and repair things was quite remarkable. While working on his education he worked at a paper mill, electric company and interned at LSU. He then started a full-time job as a Biological Engineer in the Agricultural department at LSU before he changed roles and moved into the Cooperative Extension Department where he spent a large portion of his career. He received an Associate’s Degree from Pearl River Community College, a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Engineering and a Master’s in Biological Engineering from LSU. Later in life, at age 52, he completed his PhD in Vocational Education from LSU. Upon completing his doctorate studies, he was named Associate Vice Chancellor of the Department of Agriculture at LSU where in the early 2000s, he implemented an innovative distance education process for the State of Louisiana. This included 21 education sites across the state that provided educational classes to rural communities that could not travel easily to LSU for education. It was a fully interactive class room, the original Zoom. After his retirement, he was contracted to help build the Louisiana House on the LSU campus. It is a training center for people who want to build a home and learn the most efficient way to build based on energy efficiency, environmental surroundings and how to landscape and garden around your home
Gene was born in Jonesboro, Louisiana and raised in Pineville but eventually moved to Bogalusa where he graduated from Bogalusa High School in 1958. It was there that he met his high school sweetheart and wife of 63 years, Eualene Munn. He was a friend to many and always known to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was charitable in both his time and money and gave to many charities. He was very active in the community with time spent primarily on church service, serving numerous times as chairman of the deacons, teaching Sunday school for 30+ years. He also served his community by providing information to the citizens of Watson in attempts to incorporate, he served on the Livingston Parish Republican Executive Committee, an elected position, and served on the district drainage board for 20+ years, including being board chair.
Gene loved his family, loved the Lord, and enjoyed fishing with his sons, grandsons, and friends. He loved vacationing in the Smoky Mountains where he took many trips with his family and friends. He deeply loved the peace and serenity of Cades Cove and camped there annually for many years. It was there that the man who was always doing just stopped and enjoyed God’s beauty, a love that he passed on to his daughter who has continued the annual camping trips to the Cove with her family. Gene was a Gideon and a longtime member of Amite Baptist Church and most recently attended Watson Baptist Church where he enjoyed the worship style and old time hymns. He was a strong Christian who built his life around his faith and his family. He instilled in all around him to always help people no matter what, be kind, love God, live through God, and make time to worship. Family was his legacy. He has stated before that his greatest accomplishment was seeing his family serve God and others.
Gene was preceded in death by parents C. Stanley and Naomi Baker. He is survived by his wife Eualene Munn Baker, his sons Jeffrey T. Baker (Donna) and Brian M. Baker (Cherie) and daughter Susie St.Cyr (Mark). He was blessed with nine grandchildren; Brittney Thomasson (Allen), BreAnne Frye (Loren), Benjamin Baker (and fiance Alexa), Brendon Baker, Katelyn Hiestand (Evan), Joshua Baker, Trevor St.Cyr, Tanner St.Cyr, Whitney St.Cyr and three great-grandchildren Felicity Frye, Evangeline Thomasson and Magnolia Thomasson. He is also survived by many other extended family and friends. The family requests that anyone wanting to make donations choose between The Gideons, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and the Agricultural Development Foundation, which is a Christian focused agricultural ministry. Any floral arrangements would be enjoyed as he truly loved nature. Visitation will be held at Amite Baptist Church, Denham Springs, Wednesday, October 18, 2023 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM and will resume Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 1:00 PM until religious services at 3:00 PM conducted by Dr. Ernest Graham and Rev. Gerald Martin. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Please sign our online registry book.
17 comments
Annrose Guarino
October 26, 2023 at 12:24 pm
A lifelong friend and colleague. Rest well Sir.
Lisa Snedigar
October 25, 2023 at 2:30 pm
My condolences to the family of Dr. Gene Baker. I knew Dr. Baker from working at Cooperative Extension for many years. He was a kind gentleman who was always smiling.
Patty Alexander
October 21, 2023 at 9:58 pm
Eualene and Family,
We are so saddened to hear of your loss of Gene. Eualene and Susie, we met you all at the U of M back in 2005 and you all left such a special place in our hearts. What a wonderful couple Eualene and Gene were. It was nice to communicate with Gene throughout the years. He was truly a kind, thoughtful, gentle, prayerful man. We pray for him and for your family at this difficult time.
Gregg, Patty and Thommy Alexander
Harris and Yvonne Stelly
October 19, 2023 at 8:59 pm
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Gene. we just saw this and it was to late to attend the service. Our prayer and thoughts are with the family. We know he was a great husband, Father, and Grandfather.
Lorraine Chavers
October 19, 2023 at 2:18 pm
I am so saddened to hear the news of Mr. Gene’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. May God give you all peace, and comfort as only He can. He will be greatly missed by so many. Sending my love & prayers, Lorraine
Blake McDowell Robards
October 18, 2023 at 3:00 pm
Brian, Cherie, Jeff and Donna (and other family members):
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad – Prayers and condolences to you all. I remember seeing your dad through the years and although I didn’t know him personally, I know he raised some fine young men that he had to be quite proud of.
Todd Daniel
October 18, 2023 at 2:40 pm
Highly respected part of the community
Bill Branch
October 18, 2023 at 1:40 pm
Gene Baker was my best boss and mentor. He and his family welcomed us to Louisiana. We enjoyed many lovely evenings in their home. Even though he had two Extension projects to manage with grant funds at the time, he traveled with me and showed me how to be an Extension Specialist. When hurricanes and flooding came along, he was always the first in line to help. I have never thought of engineers as being innovators, but Gene could always find new and better ways to get the job done. We are 650 miles away from Denham Springs and will not get there in time for the funeral service, but please know that our thoughts are with the family and all your friends. Thank you for sharing Gene with us for 24 years!
Kathy Hernandez
October 19, 2023 at 1:21 pm
Hi Mr. Branch,
Just wanted to reach out to you. I worked in the Engineering Department many years ago. I often think of my years there and how blessed I was to have worked with such wonderful people. I hope you and your family are doing well.
Take care,
Kathy Hernandez
Glenda Pizani
October 18, 2023 at 4:36 am
Sorry to hear this. I know he was a great man, loved and will be missed by many.
Cheryl Coney Arnold
October 18, 2023 at 12:30 am
Mr. Baker was a true servant of the Lord. He was always a pleasant greeter at Amite Baptist Church. My condolences to all of his family and prayers for comfort.
Charlene Byrd Moore
October 17, 2023 at 10:35 pm
Prayers are being sent from Virginia. So good to see him at reunion a few weeks ago. He was so proud to tell me that he now has so many nurses in his family. What a legacy he left as he touched countless lives
Owen and Carol Norgress
October 17, 2023 at 9:28 pm
So sorry to hear about your father’s tragic death. He was a fine man who raised 3 great children. A credit to our community and the general public. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. It was mine and my wife, Carol’s privilege to have known him. Ya’ll will be in our thoughts and prayers.
MARK A WILLIAMS
October 17, 2023 at 8:07 pm
Jeff,
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. May God grant you and your family peace, comfort, understanding and support during this time.
Mark & Diane Williams
Dan Thomas
October 17, 2023 at 4:34 pm
Extremely sorry for your loss. Gene was always good to me, and provided excellent advice and mentoring. He was the epitome of what you wish for a leader and an extension professional.
Sincerely, Dan Thomas
Mike and Lisa Morris
October 17, 2023 at 12:49 pm
Gene is a wonderful man and will be greatly missed on this earth. May the Lord bring great comfort and peace to the family.
Erin Hopkins Broussard
October 17, 2023 at 12:34 pm
My sincerest condolences on the loss of Mr. Gene. He will be remembered as a good man and a significant loss to our community.