Arthur G. “Gary” Baker, Jr., 81, of rural Boonville, died Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia.

Funeral services will be Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 11 A.M. at Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church in Boonville, with Rev. Chris Snyder officiating.  Burial will be at a later date in Slater City Cemetery.  Visitation will be Saturday from 10 until 11 A.M. at the church.  Memorials are suggested to Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church or Boonville Food Pantry in care of Weiker Funeral Home in Slater.

Born March 7, 1944 in Gullf Port, Mississippi, he was the son of the late Arthur Garfield and Emily Mildred Petty Baker.  On June 8, 1963 at the Slater Christian Church, he married Sherry Kaye Miller, and she survives of the home.  

Also surviving are a son, Gary C. Baker and his wife Melissa of Boonville; a daughter, Michelle R. McCoy and her husband Dr. Craig E. McCoy of Columbia; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Brent Baker; and a sister, Rita Venable.

Mr. Baker was a member of the Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church.  He was a 1962 graduate of Slater High School.  He had worked as a machinist, engineer, businessman, and farmer.  He had enjoyed sixty-two years of marriage, and devoted his life to helping others.  He had lived in Saline County for many years, before moving to Barnett, and later rural Boonville eleven years ago.