John Paul (Preach) Baker

John Paul (Preach) Baker finally ran out of gas and checked out on Febraury 4, 2014 after a period of declining health. He was 88 years old so he didn't get cheated too bad and true to his word 'he didn't take anything with him.' Preach was born May 17, 1925 in Gassaway , WV. He served in the Navy in WWII, stationed in New Guinea. After the war he returned to WV and formed the company JC Baker and Son, a Texaco fuel distributorship, with his dad. He moved his family to Summersville, WV where he spent most of his life. He served on the board of directors for Nicholas County Bank and subsequently on the bank boards for Key Centurion and Bank One for many years. His hobbies were loafing with his friends, playing cards, and watching a good Western on TV. He spent his last few years in Cookeville, TN and was a member of the Methodist Church. John loved his family and friends. Preach left his body to the West Virginia University Medical Center. He hopes they can determine how he lived so long with such poor care and maintenance. His family hopes it is genetic, but Mr. Baker believed it was from eating ramps. He is survived by his devoted wife Ramona of 59 years of Cookeville, TN. Additionally he is survived by his son Dr. John Baker (Lorrie) of Danville,CA,daughter Paula Lilly (Keith) of Cookeville, TN and daughter Laura McCall (David ) of Montgomery,AL. He is also survived by five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. There will be no services for Preach as he said that he wanted to 'blow out without any fanfare .' You may send condolences to [emailprotected] You may also sign the guestbook at dyerfuneralservices.com