Curtis Dale Baker

Curtis Dale Baker (Papa), met his Savior on August 23, 2023, at Hospice Home Care Center, in Little Rock, Arkansas at the age of eight-six years.  Curtis was born to Ellie Veree Hales Baker and Marl Jefferson Baker on March 5, 1937, in Hermitage, Arkansas.  He passed the same way he lived, quiet and peaceful.

Curtis, being the oldest child at home, took on the responsibility of caring for his family with great pride.  He quit school, forfeiting his dream of becoming a math teacher, to go to work moving houses, to provide for his mother and siblings.  It was hard work, but he considered it an honor.  He was our rock!  It is easy to think of Curtis as “our Abraham”.  He led our family into faith. We knew he was a friend of God and we watched him develop that relationship.  Most importantly, he loved his family and made sure each one knew it.  

At sixteen years old, Curtis visited an old time Pentecostal Church with his cousin.  Halfway through the service, the power of God came over him.  He lay on the floor speaking in a Heavenly language for the rest of the service.  When he got home that night, he told his mother; “You can go to your church if you want to, but that church has something I’ve never felt and I’m changing my going places!” He never looked back. He dedicated his life to Christ and caring for his family.  He led his mother and many of his siblings into a deeper walk with Christ. He went on to preach and teach about this precious Holy Ghost to anyone who would listen.  He was faithful to the House of God and wanted to be there every time the doors were open.  He consistently read his Bible through at least once and many times twice in a year.  He loved supporting the local church, missionaries, and the children at Tupelo Children’s Mansion, in Mississippi.  One of his favorite lines was “You can’t outgive God!”

Although Curtis was not one to gather crowds, he was extremely personable and developed close relationships with people one-on-one.  Papa was keenly aware of others and what they were going through.  He was a fixer.  He worked on cars, appliances, heat and air conditioners, radios, bicycles, and anything else that broke, but he specialized in helping broken hearts.  It didn’t matter if he had just met you or if you were an old family friend.  He just always wanted to help. Papa was a quiet man, witty and kept us in tears with his corny puns.  Thus, the nickname Punny Papa.

Curtis is preceded in death by his parents, his son, Michael Anton Baker, two brothers, Columbus Franklin (and wife, Thelma) Baker and Donnie Ray Baker.  He leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Martha Pauline Baker, his beloved four brothers, Marvin Cleo (Vera Deceased) Baker, James Luther(Helen) Baker, Charley Glenn (Sharon) Baker, Mark Stephen(Debbie) Huff, and three sisters, Rosie Marleyne (Bob) Barnes, Martha Baker Jackson, and Linda Faye (Ernie) Smith.  Curtis also leaves behind four sons and three daughters, Terrance Wayne Baker, Crystal Kaye (Tim)Griggs, Michael Doyle King, Joe Boyd (LeeAnn) King, James Allen King, Julie Suzanne King Vandiver, and Sharlyn Ruth Baker, along with a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.

The viewing for Curtis D. Baker will be on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at noon with his funeral at 1:00 PM. It will be held at First Pentecostal Church, 1401 Calvary Rd., North Little Rock, AR. Graveside services will follow at Rosemont Cemetery in Benton, Arkansas. Services entrusted to Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home. Sign the guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.

I Was Chosen

(Mike King)

I was chosen today.

I’m learning to fly…

The Lord took me away,

But please don’t you cry…

I chose you today

To try and be strong…

So, there’s no need to cry,

I’m with the Lord (I’m not gone).

When you’re feeling alone

Just remember our Love.

I’m up near the stars.

Looking down from above.

Remember my love.

In a moment you’ll see,

That I’m still here beside you

When you’re thinking of me.