Joe Baker

Dr. Joe A. Baker, age 86 of Climax, GA and West Palm Beach, FL died peacefully at home on Thursday, May 20, 2010. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 22, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Climax United Methodist Church in Climax, GA with Rev. Wayne McDonald officiating. Interment will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Climax. Dr. Baker was born September 3, 1923 in St. Francis, AR. He graduated from the University of Illinois Medical School in Chicago and interned at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL. In 1954 moved to Belle Glade, FL to set up his medical practice as a General Practitioner and General Surgeon for thirty six years. He was a member of the Belle Glade Community United Methodist Church. He was Co-founder and Director of the Atlantic Sugar Corp. in Belle Glade, and an active member of the Everglades Agricultural Community. He was a former Chief of Staff and board member of Glades General Hospital for many years. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Murial J. Baker of Climax; five children Nancy Brock and husband Steve of Bainbridge, Linda Buss of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Jay (Joe) Allen Baker, Jr. of West Palm Beach, FL, William Baker of Climax and Richard Baker of West Palm Beach, FL; one sister Fran Osborn of Phoenix, AZ and five grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Climax United Methodist Church or the Belle Glade Community United Methodist Church.