Reuben Barclay Baker

BAKER, REUBEN BARCLAY Reuben Barclay Baker, 88, died on Thursday, July 24, 2003, after suffering from a stroke in May. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 28 at Waco Memorial North Mausoleum Chapel with Dr. Jerry Jud and Dr. Gene Jud officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial North. Arrangements are through Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey, 6101 Bosque Blvd. Reuben was born to Henry C. and Amanda Black Baker in Warrensburg, Missouri on February 13, 1915. As a young man he excelled in both education academics and sports, lettering for four years in basketball, baseball, track, and tennis. He even played semi-pro baseball before going then went on to wow them aton scholarship to Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois where he graduated in 1937 with a B.S. in Commerce. He worked at the Diversity Corporation as Branch Manager for over 50 years with branches in Chicago, Cleveland, New York, Kansas City, Waco, and Atlanta. During this time hHe took a leave from work Diversity to serve in World War II in the United States Coast Guard during World War II as Lieutenant, Sr. Grade. During this time, he sighted his bride-to-be, Josephine Elizabeth Doxy Lady, at the ration office in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, where he pretended to need tires in order to charm her. Soon, they were married, and had two children, Glenn Barclay and Walter Harry. After retiring from Diversity, and a short stint with theHe retired from the Georgia State Government, Reuben and Lady in 1977 and moved back to Waco to in 1977 and becamebe a full- time grandparents.father Daddy Reuben. Reuben enjoyed many things during his retirement, but he was certifiably the #1 fan of Midway’s girl’s’ basketball and softball teams. For more than ten years, he rarely missed a game, traveling as far ased to Florida and Kalamazoo several times to cheer on for the Aall Sstar teams. He also enjoyed bowling with wife Lady in a senior league and playing golf. Lady, Hhis wife of 59 years, Josephine Elizabeth, preceded him in death by seven months. He was also preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Linnie Edwards, Carroll Wells, and Ella Baker; and one brother Henry Baker. Reuben will be sorely missed. He is survived by his son, Glenn Baker and wife Barbara of Waco; son, Walter Baker of Bryan; granddaughters, Robyn Hightower, Heidi Curry, and April Baker of Waco, Wendy Smith of Fort Worth and Roxanne Baker of Bryan; grandson, Brad Baker of Auburn, Alabama; three great-grandsons and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his brother, Marvis S. Baker of San Angelo and his sister Mary Hughs of Moraga, California. Should anyone desire to, a memorial contribution may be made to Fuzzy Friends Rescue. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY