Larry James Baker

Larry James Baker was born on August 21, 1952 in Isola, Mississippi. He was the oldest child of Harlem and Jessie Mae ( Pate) Baker. When the Baker family relocated from Mississippi to Indiana in the early 50’s, Larry adapted easily and excelled in both academics and in sports. Larry loved, loved, loved Little League baseball and was a proud member of The Douglass Little League team. He shared so many stories about the team but was especially proud of the game that was televised. In addition to his love for baseball, Larry was an avid tennis player competing across the country in various amateur tennis leagues with the MID TAC league being near and dear to his heart as the annual tournament was hosted in Indianapolis. Larry was a talker, had the memory of an elephant and had a story for nearly every topic that one cared to discuss. His level of intellect was unmatched which is why it was no surprise that he excelled in school. Larry was a proud graduate of Shortridge High School Class of 1970. After graduation Larry began his career in the automotive industry while taking engineering and hospitality courses at IUPUI. Larry retired in Arlington, Texas from the General Motors Cadillac Assembly plant after 35 years of service. During his years at GM he was blessed to be selected to be a part of a highly revered employee team to start up the Saturn plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee. After retirement, Larry coached tennis to elementary and high school students in the Plano/Frisco area often boasting that many of his students earned Division One scholarships for their tennis prowess. It was during this time he earned the name “Coach” from the children he coached and mentored in tennis. Larry will be remembered for his love of jazz music, trivia, watching all levels of competitive sports especially the Chicago Bears , cooking his famous French toast and his love for horse racing but especially for his fashion flair finds that he was proud to let anyone know came from clearance racks and second hand stores. After a brief battle with cancer, Larry departed the life as he knew it on, September 9, 2025, in Richardson Texas. Larry was preceded in death by his mother Jessie Mae Baker. Larry leaves to cherish his memory Harlem Baker, Beverly Marshall, Crystal and Kelly Woods, Larry, Allison, Jeremiah, Jameson and Alara Baker, Brenda and Freddie Banks, Raymond Sr and Paula and Marilyn Baker along with The Baker , Jones and Appleton cousins and family. Larry was blessed to have lifelong friendships with Rodney Brewer and his cousin Rodney Scott. In addition, he leaves to cherish his memory his long time tennis partner and travel partner Evelyn Easley, his former wife Cynthia, UAW Local 933 and UAW Local 276 friends, the entire African American USA national tennis circuit far and wide and last, but not least, his Lone Star Park racetrack family especially Barbara , aka, Bobbie, Crutcher, Willie and his barber Kelly. ◦

Larry James Baker

August 21, 1952 - September 9, 2025