John William Baker,Jr. ,76, of Elsberry, MO, passed away in his home on May 14, 2023. He was born on April 30, 1947 to John W. Baker, Sr. and Maudie Baker. He was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam from 1969- 1971. John and Sharen were united in marriage on May 30, 1986. Together they raised their children; Michael, Nicholas and Tamara. He loved camping, traveling to visit family, riding his horses, going to the boat and doing scratch off tickets. He was a car buff and had fun working on old cars in his younger days. John was skilled at frying fish and chicken, he could always be counted on to volunteer his talents at the Silex Fall Festival. John was a proud Mason and was a member of the Silex Masonic Lodge, holding many different positions. John was a locomotive engineer for Norfolk Western and later Norfolk Southern after the merger. He enjoyed his career for over 30 years, until he retired in the 90's. His family described him as " Funny , Awesome, one of a kind and a man with many talents. John was a loving Dad, Papa, Great-Grandpa, Partner and Friend.

He is survive d by his partner of 11 years, Janis Bentch, children; Michael and wife Jamie Baker of Hawk Point, MO, Tamara and husband Lonnie Sturgess of Booneville, MO, Nicholas Baker and Crystal Green of Pilot Grove, MO and Janis' daughter, Charlene Roller of Fulton, MO, grandchildren: Dylan Sturgess, Sierra Baker, Cheyenne Baker, Layton Baker, Kayleigh Baker, Madelyn Baker, Kyle Baker, as well as Janis's grandchildren: Shawna Stephenson, Zak Stephenson, Walter Smith, Travis Bell, Jeremy Bell, Chaz Bell, David Roller, Shawn Holt and Christina Anderson, several great-grandchildren , former wife and mother to Tami and Nick , Sarah Roth , and many nieces, nephews and friends .

John was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Sharen A . Baker, parents, John and Maudie Baker Sr., 6 siblings, Jani s' daughters; Denise Bell and Robin Holt.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. at McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory 1304 Boone Street Troy, MO 63379

Funeral – will also be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 1p.m. at McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory 1304 Boone Street Troy, MO  Masonic service immediately before funeral service. Rev. Kelly Hardcastle to officiate.

Interment- Troy City Cemetery Troy, MO

Family and Friends may sign the online guest book@www.mccoyblossomfh.com