Benjamin Franklin Baker Jr.

Benjamin Franklin Baker Jr. was born October 4, 1955, to Benjamin Franklin and Syvella Olivia Baker. He was the sixth child and the first son born to this union. "Frank" attended Elliot, Boise, and Washington High School. As a child he enjoyed taking boxing lessons at Knott Street, currently known as Matt Dishman Community Center, and playing chess with his brother, Kelvin. Frank was gifted his first chess set by his older sister, Devoter. As the eldest brother, Frank felt an obligation to be a protector to his younger siblings. He taught them how to ride bikes, swim, protect themselves, and even how to drive his brand-new yellow Toyota Corolla stick shift.

At the age of 17, he joined Emmanuel Temple FGPA, where he served in several capacities. He was a deacon, the first administrative assistant to Bishop A.A. Wells, leader of the Sons of Thunder young men's group, and transportation administrator where he drove to various cities and states and picked up members for Sunday School. He was also in charge of the sound system and maintenance around the church. Against his will he was even a member of the adult choir. Frank loved reading the bible. He would spend hours studying with his brother Kelvin, while Carla listened and refilled endless cups of coffee and tea.

Frank was employed at Techtronics until an accident disabled him, forcing an early retirement from the company. He was later employed by Renaissance Market as a produce manager and cook. He had a love and fascination for cars. He could fix almost anything on a car as well as anything around the house. He was an excellent man of works and D.I.Y, expert and cook. His favorite football team was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was finally able to trash talk family and friends when the team acquired Tom Brady and won the Superbowl in 2021, since they hadn't won since 2003.

Frank cherished the 30 plus years of love and companionship with his wife, Etta. The love he had for his children and his family was of the utmost importance to him. You couldn't tell him anything about his kids! He loved them all equally, but we could all agree that someone thought they were his favorite! He loved his nieces and nephews as if they were his own children and in return, they would do anything for their "Uncle Frank". He will be missed greatly by everyone who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Franklin Baker Sr. and Syvella Olivia Baker; wife, Etta Baker; siblings, Gloria Blandford, Devoter Lewis, Bennie Williams, Alma Baker, and William Wyse; and nephews, Vorian Lewis Sr., Mark Williams, and DeAnthony Williams.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Sylvia (Dontae) Riley, Franklin "Demond" Baker, Brian (Denishia) Baker, Chardae Baker, and Alfa "Quai" Baker; stepchildren, Ernest Carter, Dupree Carter, Ivory Carter, and Oderick Smith; grandchildren, De'Shanique Baker, Precious "Briana" Baker, Lyric Lowe, Dyamond Baker, and DeMarco Baker; siblings, Pastor Tastonga (Bishop Theodus) Moore, Rhonda Wyse, Kelvin Baker, Anthony Baker, and Carla Baker; brother in law’s, Eulyses Lewis, and Alton Williams; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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