Mr. Freddie D. Baker

Freddie D. Baker was born April 19th, 1951, in Bossier City, Louisiana to Willie D. Baker and Rochelle Baker. He was the 5th of eight children including five girls and three boys. He is preceded in death by his parents Willie D. and Rochelle Baker and three sisters Shirley Mae, Lizzie Mae, and Dorothy Jean. Freddie graduated from Redmond Spikes High School, in Bossier City, LA, Class of 1969, and was one of only four boys to graduate from his high school class. It was known that he took school seriously as it was very important to him. Upon graduating high school, he enlisted in the Armed Forces with the United Stated Army working as a heavy vehicle driver operator while deployed in Vietnam. This assignment put him in some dangerous, life threating situations at times having to drive through land mine fields while engaging in combat. This explains his love for trucks, vans, and cars (particularly his 63 Chevy which he gave to his mom). He had incredible skills and abilities to drive anything, anywhere, anytime, through any conditions with accuracy and precision! Ironically fifty years later, he would get the opportunity to visit the White House up close and personal. Upon his honorable discharge, Freddie began working with General Motors UAW (United Auto Workers) in Denver, Colorado where he would work until retiring after 35 years of service. He married Bobbie Jean Baker of Shreveport, in Taylor Town, Louisiana growing their union to a family of five including three children Patrick, Rhonda, and Monique Baker. This union would last from 7-21-72 to 1-15-91. Freddie would eventually meet his dearest love Deborah Johnston in 1993 and, she has been his “girl”, his ride or die, and his life partner until he took his last breath. Freddie’s signature style were hats of all kinds (Brims, Kangols, Fedora’s, baseball caps) you name it and on many occasions with a cigar in his mouth. He was a razor-sharp dresser, kept a cool calm demeanor, and loved unconditionally. He was a great example of a strong man displaying what it takes to take care of a family; he loved all his family whole-heartedly. He was a man of peace with a strong presence, although he was no nonsense and even stern to some. He loved to joke around, dance and laugh which was evident in his effervescent smile! He was very social when he did engage, always open to go out and sit down to eat. If you want to meet him for breakfast and you want him to be happy, it better be the Waffle House! One of the greatest qualities about Freddie was his accountability, even though he was the middle child, his siblings held him in high regard due to his practical mind, equity among his siblings, and his integrity. He was honorable, when you call him, he will show up, when you need him, you can count on him. He was a great person to talk to about anything, he was fiercely private, so no one would ever know about your conversation with him. Fun fact about Freddie is let him tell it, “Ain’t Nobody Told Me Nothing”. Freddie would always say we don’t tell him anything. He could be right there when we are talking about something, but he would always say that!” as quoted by his oldest sister, Shirley. “Coach Baker” coached for the Denver Police Athletic League (PAL) for decades interacting and guiding many young men in the neighborhood using tough love tactics, showing them not only how to be great athletes, but also mentoring them how to navigate through life as young boys who one day would be men. He believed in equality, while coaching basketball at the East Denver YMCA, he was instrumental in getting girls added to the basketball teams to play. This is where his two daughters would learn to play basketball on co-ed teams. He was an avid sportsman too, and he played volleyball, basketball, baseball, and he was a boxer. Freddie was very organized, and detailed oriented, and he kept his house and yard immaculate, just ask the neighborhood kids what would happen if you stepped on his lawn. “Get off my grass”! His neighbors also held him in high regards and trusted him to assist when issues arose within the neighborhood. Freddie’s strength and resilience was tested the last few years of his life as he battled health issues, however he fought a good fight until he could fight no more. On Saturday, January 25th, 2025, Freddie departed this earth. He leaves to cherish his memory his three children Patrick, Rhonda, and Monique Baker (Bobbie Jean Baker), his three grandchildren Patrick Baker-James, Malik Baker, and his mini-me D’arvy Mikel DeLoach (Michael DeLoach), his life partner Deborah Johnston, his brother Roy Lee Baker (Lois), Joyce Marie Baker, Linda Faye Burrell and Donald Ray Baker, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, family, and friends. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Freddie D. Baker

April 19, 1951 - January 25, 2025