Early on Friday morning, November 15, 2019, I lost Wendell Baker, Jr., my husband, my best friend, a father, and grandfather (Pop as known to them). He slept peacefully away with family at his bedside.
Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, Wendell and Marie Baker and sister, Hortense Borgus.
Wendell was born July 29, 1937 in Lexington where he was raised.
He attended and graduated from Lylburn Downing High School, attended the University of Toledo in Ohio and graduated from Barber School in Washington, D.C.
Upon his return home, he worked at the Robert E. Lee Hotel Barber Shop for 10 years before moving to his own shop on Jefferson Street. During this time when his barber shop was closed on Wednesdays, he cut hair at VMI's barber shop for 20 years and was there for each matriculation during those years.
He had customers from W&L, VMI, the local community and surrounding areas. He loved his job and greeting his customers with conversations ranging from local and national news, sports and everyday life experiences.
A quote from one of his customers: "For many of us it was a place we'd go to laugh, to share stories. There was always talk about whatever sport was in season. Some of us went there to learn, maybe something about life, something about the community perhaps we didn't know. At times he seemed to even be a therapist to some of us as he listened to our problems, more importantly, a friend."
In the last two years, his health began to fail, only going to the shop as energy permitted.
Wendell, Freddie Goodhart and Alvin Dennis were lovingly called "The Mayors of Jefferson Street."
Wendell is survived by his wife of 60 years, Priscilla; son, Wendell Baker III of Hampton; daughters, Sheila (Richard) Vaughan and Marlene Hope, both of Lexington; three grandchildren, Brandon Hope of Maryland, Morgan Hope of Lexington and Sarah Vaughan of Maine; two sisters, Maryland Baker of Lexington, and Deborah (Tony) Perry of Florida; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was also a member of the First Baptist Church for many years, where he served in multiple capacities including the Trustees Ministry, as well as many years as a dedicated usher. Wendell had also been a member of the local Masonic Lodge, he played saxophone with the Rhythm Makers and in recent years sang with the Men of Faith, a local gospel group.
A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, November 23 at First Baptist Church. There will be no visitation at the funeral home, but family will receive friends after the service in the fellowship hall.
Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060.
Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.
