L. B. "Red" Baker, 73 of Trumann died Monday, March 6 at NEA Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was born August 17, 1932 in Trumann.

A lifelong resident of Trumann, Baker was the president of the senior class of the Trumann High School in 1950. He was a star athlete in three sports in high school and married his high school sweetheart, Jimmie Doris Shirley in 1948.

The owner of Baker Lumber and Hardware Company in Trumann, Baker was well known around the world for his public service. Baker was a prominent member of the Trumann Lions Club. He served as a past district governor, past president of Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service and was the first inductee and namesake of the Mid-South Lions L. B. Baker Hall of Honor. He was also honored by several Lions Clubs International presidents with leadership awards and certificates of appreciation.

Baker was a 32nd degree Mason with 50 years of service and member of the Scottish Rite. He was a Past Master of Trumann Lodge #693. He was also a former member of the Trumann Jaycees.

Baker served as President of the Trumann Chamber of Commerce and was honored as their outstanding citizen in 1980.

He also served on the Trumann Park Commission, the Trumann Water and Sewer Commission the Trumann Public Library Committee and was instrumental in the building of the Trumann Little League baseball park, a founding member of the Trumann Country Club, and received numerous awards and recognition for his unselfish service to the community. Baker was also a longtime member of the ASU Indian Club.

Baker was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Trumann since 1958, and was past president of the United Methodist Men and served in many capacities within the church.

He was preceded in death by his wife in 2002; one half sister, Marsha Miller and his parents, Lee Allen Baker and Pearl Phelps Baker Hickman.

Survivors include a daughter, Janelle Ray of Trumann; two sons, Brad Baker of Jonesboro and Brent Baker of Trumann; three grandchildren, Abigail Maggard of Jacksonville N.C., Lindsey Baker and Lonna Baker both of Jonesboro; seven great-grandchildren, his step-mother, Berniece Baker of Manila; a sister and brother-in-law, Mavene and Newt Beaird of Trumann, four half brothers, Tommy Baker of Little Rock, Barry Baker of Manila, Joey Baker of Pauls Valley, Okla., and Kerry Baker of Manila.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 9 at the First Baptist Church in Trumann with Rev. Jim Thresher and Rev. Bill Williams officiating. A Masonic graveside service will follow in the Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery in Jonesboro, with Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann in charge.

Active pallbearers will be Freddie Joyce, Henry Lamb, K. W. Webb, Gerald Smith, Mike Craig, B.G. Tatum, Leroy May, Bill Cook, Mark Poe, Bill Teague, David Utley, Brandon Maggard, Len Krueger, Mike Dungan.

Honorary pallbearers will be Trumann Lions Club, Masonic Lodge #693, First United Methodist Men, Trumann Water and Sewer Commission and employees of Baker Lumber and Hardware Company.

Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home.

The family has requested that in recognition of Mr. Baker's community service that memorials be sent in lieu of flowers to the First United Methodist Church in Trumann at 220 Pine Avenue, Trumann, 72472 or the Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service at 188 South Bellevue, Suite 421, Memphis, TN 38104.

Online guest book at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net