Mr. Samuel Baker

March 7, 1928 - March 7, 2019

Samuel Baker, age 91, departed this life on March 7, 2019 surrounded by his family in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was born March 7, 1928 to Joe Baker and Narvell Hackett-Baker in Prescott, Arkansas. He accepted Christ at an early age. Samuel served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from November 1950 to September 1952. He was united in Holy Matrimony to Stella J. Deloney on October 20, 1952 in Hope, Arkansas. To this union three sons and one daughter were born: Samuel Jr., Patricia, Doran and Winfred. He was employed at James River in Kalamazoo for 26 years until his retirement in 1984. Samuel was called into the ministry in 1960 and preached his first sermon called, "A Blessed Man" at New Jerusalem Church of God In Christ in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Elder Baker was later appointed Pastor of Blue Star Church of God In Christ in 1965 to 1991 in South Haven, Michigan. He also was the pastor for Bethel Star Church of God In Christ in Kalamazoo from 1979 to 2007. He served on the Ordination Board in Jurisdiction 3, Southwest Michigan; served as Chairman of District #10 under Superintendent J.S. Lee; and Chairman Of Muskegon District under Superintendent George M. Bennett. Samuel enjoyed spending his time praying and reading his bible. His favorite scripture was John 3:16. He also enjoyed singing and was very gifted and skillful at playing the guitar. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife Stella of 66 years; one daughter, Patricia (Leroy) Simpson of Kalamazoo, Michigan; three sons, Doran (Patricia) Baker of Lake St. Louis, MO; Winfred Baker of Kalamazoo, Michigan and Robert (Alice) Davis of Austin, Texas; 10 grandchildren: William and Jeremie (Ana) Abbott; Brandon (Sabrina) Blackwell, LaDonna Simpson of Kalamazoo; Catrina, La Shon, La Shona, and Raylein Davis all of Austin, Texas and Jahwan Garcia of Ackworth, Georgia; five great grandchildren: Dejuan, Ari'el, Nadia, Ayanna and Taniya; one brother-in-law, Albert Deloney of Flint, Michigan; one sister-in-law, Ruth Gentry of Burton, Michigan; several godchildren: Bradley Gardner, Talia Garcia, Minister James Gipson and Belinda Buchanan; longtime friends of the family: Josephine Sudduth, Lessie Jones and Mary Walker; along with several nieces, nephews, church family and friends.