Dr. Fred Eugene “Gene” Baker
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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 (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 , Tanner , Whitney 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.