Herman Dupree Baker

Herman Dupree Baker, 87, of Tucker, beloved husband of Esther Baker, passed away at home on November 2, 2015. He was the son of the late William Grady and Mary Obedience Gauntt Baker. He grew up in the Campton, Georgia area and graduated from Monroe High School. In 1945 he joined the great battle for freedom by enlisting in the Navy. He used the GI benefits he earned from his service to attend Mercer University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees. He continued his service to our country by remaining in the Navy Reserves for many years until his retirement with the rank of Commander. As a Mercer Alumni he had the distinction of contributing to the school for 51 consecutive years. After a long career with the Internal Revenue Service, he practiced law in Decatur. He enjoyed helping people through his work and never wanted to retire, and never did. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Decatur, where he served as Finance Chairman on the Board of Deacons. As teacher of his Keystone Sunday School class, he made many close friends. In addition to his church activities, he believed strongly in serving his community. He was active in Kiwanis for many years, worked with Habitat for Humanity, packed medical supplies to be distributed overseas, and was always the first to volunteer wherever help was needed. He never missed PTA meetings, school plays, recitals, Grandparents Days, or class reunions. He loved getting all the family together and often counted the cars in the driveway at holidays to see if we had broken a new record. He liked to travel anytime and anywhere. He was an enthusiastic and devoted participant in the Peachtree Road Race and ran an impressive 25 times, the last being at the age of 85.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Esther Deal Baker; daughters, Cynthia Buchanan, Gloria England, and Joyce Baker; brothers, Arnold and Jerry Baker; grandchildren, Jessica Tuttle and her husband, Jacob, Megan Teeter and her husband, Jay, David Fondren, and Jacob Buchanan; and great-grandchildren, Ethan Tuttle and Avery Teeter. In addition to his parents, Herman was preceded in death by his brothers, Lawrence, Coleman, and Douglas Baker.

The family will receive friends from 5 - 7 p.m. Friday, November 6, at A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home. A service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, November 7, with Dr. Peter Rhea Jones and Rev. Bob Williamson officiating at First Baptist Church of Decatur followed by a graveside service at Floral Hills Memory Gardens.

Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the guest book provided.



Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033