Jay E. Baker, 96, of Kenedy, Texas, passed away on September 26, 2024. He was born in Choate, Texas, on April 22, 1928, to Collie and Ada Hunt Baker.  He attended Choate and Kenedy schools, graduating in 1946. He met Lois Rice at Baker’s store in the Choate community, and they started dating after she graduated from high school.  Jay E. married Lois on Veterans Day, November 11,1950, just before he joined the U.S. Army and deployed to Korea during the Korean War. When he returned, they settled in Choate, working in Baker’s Store and on their farm. Later, they moved to Farmington, New Mexico, where they started a family and then returned home to Texas. They had two sons, Jay Collie, and Joe E., during their 73-year marriage.  He was employed by Jefferson Chemical Company (later Texaco Chemical Company) for over 20 years, starting as a plant operator and retiring as a lab technician.  Jay E. and Lois operated a cattle ranch in Dripping Springs for many years. After retirement, they moved back to Kenedy and operated a cattle ranch in Choate for over 30 years. They shared their love of the ranch with their family and grandchildren.  Granddaddy, as he was known to his grandchildren, was an amazing farmer, rancher and gardener.  He was known for his strong work ethic and ability to fix anything. But he always had time to spend with his family and friends in outdoor pursuits of hunting, fishing and camping on the family land in Choate. He was a strong supporter of the Choate Cemetery, spending countless days helping with maintenance and improvements to the Cemetery. He dearly loved his family and watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren grow.  Jay E. is preceded in death by his wife, Lois Norene Baker, his parents, Collie and Ada Baker, his sisters, Delsie (Wiley) Jimerson, Elsie Mae (Walter) Barber, Blanche (Wilson) Walker, Nancy (Ben) Dziadowicz, Ada Bea (Bradley) Schroeder and brother, Thomas (Natalie) Baker.  Jay E. is survived by his sons Jay Collie (Denise) Baker and Joe E. (Pamela) Baker, grandchildren Jason (Eleanor) Baker, Jennifer (Marlon) Fowler, William (Hayleigh) Baker, Molly Baker, Andrew Baker and Ada Baker, and great grandchildren Helen Baker, Kaleb Fowler, Collie Baker and Kori Fowler.

Visitation is Friday, October 18, 6-8 pm, at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services are Saturday, October 19, 10 am, at Eckols Funeral Home in Kenedy, with interment following at Choate Cemetery in Choate, Texas.

Pastor Bruce Irving will officiate. Pallbearers will be Jason Baker, William Baker, Marlon Fowler, Thomas Jimerson, David Morgan and Gary Morgan.

Donations can be made to Choate Baptist Cemetery Trust, PO Box 56, Kenedy, TX 78119.