Rev. Wilbur Baker Sr.

Wilbur Baker Sr. was born March 18,1924 in Henderson, Kentucky to the union of the late Theodore Roosevelt Baker Louise Chaney and was the oldest of seven children born. He obtained his formative education in Cardone, Kentucky at the school, and continued matriculation into Douglas High School in Henderson, KY. In 1944, the family relocated to professed Christ at an early age at Walnut Hill Baptist Church in Henderson, KY and later to Memorial Baptist Church in where he sang in the choir along with his mother Verna and sister Ethel Mae. In 1944, he wedded Rosella Cage to which one Jean Baker was born. In 1944, shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Military as a Private in the Army and discharged in 1945. During his young years, he was an avid football player with Kentucky's semi pro team, softball player, and obtained his pilot's license he flew single engine crop-duster planes. Wilbur had a reputation for being a great dancer and that creativity would follow him to Milwaukee and be seen later in his children. In 1948, Wilbur relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and joined Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor A. W Wise. He then would continue to serve the incoming pastor, Rev. E.M. Kelly Sr. and became very active singing in the Senior Choir. During the 19S0s he married Evelyn Mitchell and raised two stepsons with her, Milton Mitchell and Jimmy Mitchell. Wilbur had a strong work ethic that carried him throughout his life. He was gainfully employed at A.O. Smith and retired in 1979 after over 30 years of employment. He was also employed by the Yellow Cab Company and Bee Bus Lines and worked as a driver. On October 26th, 1974, Wilbur was united in holy matrimony to Betty Jean Staton at the altar of the family's WI. To this union, they raised five children together: Angie Lorraine Hammond, Wilbur Baker Jr., Beverly Besha , Aletha Lynette Baker, and CoDonna Louise Baker. During this time, he served on the Metropolitan Baptist Church Deacon Board, Senior Choir, Men's Fellowship Choir, Sunday School teacher, and sang in the Community Consolators. In 1982, he accpepted his ministry and was licensed to preach the gospel by Rev. Willie D. Wanzo Sr., and was later ordained as an Associtae Pastor in 1989. He would go on to serve as Assistant Pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church, New Membership Instructor, Young Adult Teacher, Prayer Meeting leader, food pantry volunteer, and was the Visitation Minister who cared for the sick and shut in. In addition to serving the church, Rev. Baker also volunteered in his community. He served as a block captain for the 23rd and Capital Neighborhood association, served the National Baptist Convention as as instructor during summer congresses, served as Vice-President and President of the National Baptist Minister's Union, and Instructor at Moody Bible Institute extension. Wilbur was incredibly devoted to his wife, children & family. He did not miss parent teacher conferences. He volunteered for field trips, was always there to support his children in after school activities, sports, and performing art shows. He would regularly bring children form of Vacation Bible School while feeding them and providing fun and during those fun times with the neighborhood. He truly set the tone for the baker home and his love and passion for people were evident throughout the United states in the lives of the thousands that he touched. As he entered his golden years, he still loved traveling to see family and and friends throughout Indiana, Kentucky, Arkansas, Alabama, and Rev. Baker never met a stranger, and his laugh and smile were infectious to every person and environment he came into contact with. Even while living in the nursing home, he attended church services and loved singing. His love for God, family, and people was always evident. He was truly salt and light in the earth and carried the gospel with him everywhere he went. Rev. Baker leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 48 years Evangelist Betty Jean Baker, his children Dianna Jean Bivens, Angie Mitchell, Wilbur Baker Jr. (Karen), Beverley Toliver (Gregory), Aletha Thompson, and CoDonna Baker. Sisters Verna Hewlett (Henry Sr.) of Indianapolis, IN; Patricia Fleming (John) of Evansville, IN; and Sandra Frazier (John) of Evansville, IN, 25 nieces and nephews, 27 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Theodore Baker Sr. and Verna Louise Chaney; brothers, Theodore Baker Jr. (Mary), and Walter Baker Sr. (Anita); sister, Ethel Mae Thomas; and stepsons, Milton and Jimmy Mitchell.

Rev. Wilbur Baker Sr.

March 18, 1924 - August 28, 2022