Eric Baker

Deacon Eric Demond Baker was born to Mr. Ira and Mrs. Bertha Baker on August 18, 1976, in Eldorado, Arkansas. He was the fifth Baker Boy born of this marriage. Eric has always had a love and passion when it came to God and church. His maternal grandmother, Myrtle L Miller, called him "Preacher." She gave him that nickname after her brother, Supt. Lennie Clemons, Jr. who was his pastor for decades. He loved and honored Supt. Lennie Clemons until his transition. He continued to grow as a deacon under the pastoral guidance of his uncle, Bishop Herman Hayes at New Beginnings COGIC where he faithfully served as a deacon until April 12, 2023. Eric attended Southside Elementary, Barton Jr. High and graduated from El Dorado High School in 1994. He was a gifted small running back. He thrilled his fans with awesome moves on the field and even started turning a flip into the endzone before it was popular. Eric was married to Carolyn Mack on August 26th, 2000. He gained a bonus daughter, Ashley Spaletta-Macon upon marrying Carolyn. He loved and supported Ashley as his own daughter. On July 14th, 2004, the love of his life was born, Janayi DeAnn Nicole Baker.  He loved being a faithful father and provider to Ashley and Janiya. There wasn't a time he wasn't present to support Ashley or Janayi in the basketball endeavors. He was at every game. Eric worked as a Sales Associate for S&S Home Center Ace Hardware for 20 years. He thrived in this position because of his love for people. He never met a stranger and welcomed everyone with open arms. He also used his position as a sale associate to share the gospel of Jesus Christ on a daily with many customers. After many years of employment, he became family to the owner and his family. He also worked as a manager of Burger King for years where he used it as a platform to share the gospel as he did at his fulltime employment.    On April 15, 2022, God allowed for Eric to reconnect with his high school sweetheart, Kelley Peagues. He was looking forward to a life of joy and happiness with her. The love they always shared was rekindled and bliss was in both eyes, but God wanted him more.   God Taketh… The blessed and fruitful life of Deacon Eric Demond Baker ended when God called His faithful servant home, Wednesday, April 12, 2023. He is preceded in death by one brother, Marlon Baker. His maternal and paternal grandparents: Ira and Ruby Dell Baker; Willie and Myrtle Lee Miller. Uncles: Steven, Lennie and Tony Miller; James and Larry Baker, Aunt: Norma Jean Blackmon. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving fiancée, Kelley Peagues. Two daughters: Janayi DeAnn Nicole Baker and Ashley Spaletta-Macon(Ferrington)and one grandson, Forrest Macon. One godson: Adrien Walker. His mother, Bertha Dean Oliver(Robert) and father, Ira Baker. Eight Brothers: Ira(Shanti), Willie(Vicky), Nicki(Cecilia), Nakia(Kim), Jeff(Tiffany), Edward D Mitchell(Shakilia), Jerome Traylor, Tarron Henry, DeMarcus Baker. Four Sisters: Stacey, Mydena(Brandon), Jeanie(Gary) and Morriana Davis. Bonus Brothers: Cheundre Hart, Carlos Caver, Andre Corely and Jeremy Ross. God-Parents: Pastor Jim and Apostle Brenda Jefferson. He also leaves his memories to be cherished by his maternal uncles: Bishop Herman Hayes(Delores) Willie B Miller(Joyce), Supt. Eddie L Miller(Edwina), Elder Rickey Miller(Charlotte), Marvin Miller, William Miller. Maternal Aunts: Myrtle Easter(Darryl), Beverly(Jeremy), Stephanie(Cashundee), Shymecca Miller, Dorneshia Boyd(Jackie). Paternal Uncle: Jerry Baker(Ollie Mae). Paternal Aunts: Mary Ann Reynolds(Arthur Lee), Juanita(Lee Lee), Louise, Evelyn Baker, Sheila(Kenneth). Great maternal uncles: Supt. Lennie Clemons, Jr(Sandra), Rev. Leon Miller(Helen), Great Maternal Aunts: Mary Ford, Evangelist Erma Britt; Great Paternal Aunts: Ethel Lee Kemp, Mazue Chatman. A host of nieces, nephews, followers, friends and family.