CHARLESTON — Judge Andrew C. “Andy” Baker, age 87, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
Visitation will be held fro 1-2 p.m. at Newsom Funeral Home Thursday, Nov. 2, with the funeral service following at 2 p.m. Interment will be held at Bethel Cemetery near Enid. Newsom Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
Judge Baker, the third of five children, was born on September 29, 1936, in Coaldale, West Virginia to Jesse and Vessie Baker. He graduated from Bramwell High School in 1954, and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on Sept. 3 of that same year, at the age of 17 and was honorably discharged on Sept. 2, 1957.
He came to Mississippi in 1957 and worked several jobs before entering Northwest Community College, graduating in 1962. He next attended Delta State University, receiving his degree in 1964. He then enrolled in what was formerly Jackson School of Law (now Mississippi College) and graduated with his Juris Doctorate degree in 1966.
He was admitted to the bar in 1966. He joined a law practice in Charleston to form the partnership Blount, Tennyson and Baker. Governor Cliff Finch appointed him to serve out the unexpired term of Judge Dick Thomas on July 26, 1978, at which time he began his duties as Circuit Court Judge. His first official elected term began on January 1, 1979, and he served continuously in that capacity until his retirement date on December 31, 2010. He served 32 and ½ years on the bench.
He is preceded by death by his parents, Jesse and Vessie Baker; and two sisters, Myrtle Magdalene Farris and Naomi Sullivan.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Barbara Havens Baker. He also leaves behind his daughters, Lisa Baker Carlson (Mark), Vicki Baker Benefield (Lance), and Donna Baker Hill (Jay); three stepdaughters, Elise Ashcraft Murphey (Morris), Maura Ashcraft Melton (Butch) and Lori Ashcraft Bailey (Jeff); and one stepson, Tad Ashcraft; his brother, David Baker; sister, Audrey Baker Wantling (Steve); 11 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
During his retirement, Andy was an avid gardener and took great pleasure in working in his yard during the summer. He enjoyed all things outdoors. One of his greatest pleasures was spending time with his family.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.newsomfuneralhome.com.
