Wilbur "Sonny" N. Baker, Sr.

W. N. “Sonny” Baker Sr.’s family will always remember the love and good times they shared with the quick-witted family patriarch.

Sonny was born to Wilbur and Erslene Baker in Centreville, Mississippi, on August 17, 1936.

He passed away at age 89 on Monday, March 2, 2026, at home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with his loving wife of 62 years, Doris Blanchard Baker, holding his hand.

As a young man, he played semi-professional baseball as a catcher.

After high school, Sonny graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in geology and went on to serve in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army National Guard, where he was honorably discharged as a sergeant.

After his service, Sonny began his career in the finance industry, working as a supervisor for financial institutions before his retirement.

Throughout his life, Sonny enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. He hosted holiday parties at home, championing his own recipes with his secret seasoning, “Sonny’s Slaughterhouse Seasoning,” attended LSU games, and cut up with those he knew and loved.

He was an avid LSU fan who also loved spending his time hunting and fishing with his son, Newton, traveling with family and spoiling his beloved pets, Michael, Hobo and Presley Baker.

Some of his greatest memories came from the time he spent in everyday life with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Later in life, he loved birdwatching, continuing to cook up his prized recipes, and putting together puzzles with his wife, children, and grandchildren, often featuring scenes that reminded him of his childhood in the country.

Sonny was a charter member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Marian Lipscomb, and his nephew Joseph Marion Lipscomb.

Sonny is survived by his wife and best friend, Doris Blanchard Baker; children, Beverly Angela Baker, Margaret Blanchard Baker, and Wilbur Newton Baker, Jr. and wife Stormy; grandchildren, Brandon Wayne Schrader, Jordan Baker Schrader, and Sunny Brooke Baker; nephew Rusty Lipscomb (Anne Frances), his late nephew’s wife, Jeanne Lipscomb; nephews, Brent Dunahoe (Lisa), and John Dunahoe and nieces, Liz Dunahoe Barnes, and Becky (Rudy) Boudreaux.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, March 6, 2026, with services to follow at 11 a.m. at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 17510 Monitor Avenue in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice Care staff and caregivers Tricia Spears, Laneisha, Regina Cobb, Kathy Lee, and Erin Dennis.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com