Rev. Howard Baker

Rev. Howard Baker, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday morning, May 11, 2025, at home. He was 95 years of age. He was born on July 2, 1929, in Carthage, Tennessee, the youngest of 12 children born to Willy Bell Baker and Minnie Frances (Turner) Baker. Howard married Willowdean Woodward on November 8, 1947, in Tennessee. She was the youngest of 13 children, and they were partners in ministry until her passing on December 5, 1989. Howard Baker was first and foremost a premier pastor. Even though he did not have a college degree, he completed the Church of the Nazarene Ministerial four-year course of study in two years while working a secular job and pastoring full-time. Rev. Baker built five Nazarene churches and founded three new congregations. Beginning his ministry in Acton, IN, he went on to pastor, not only in Indiana, but in Kentucky and Tennessee. His years of full-time ministry stretched from 1959 to 1999. Rev. Baker was known as a powerful preacher but was an even greater pastor. His love for people was evident in how he ministered to them. Visitation work for Howard Baker was not a sacrifice, it was a service. He will always be known for his sense of humor and his infectious laugh. Throughout his life, Rev. Baker was an avid reader and learner, and in retirement, he enjoyed wood crafting. Those left to cherish Rev. Baker’s memory include his wife and faithful companion of nearly 35 years, Pamela (Romans) Baker; his children, Janice (Mike) Suits of Paris, TX, Danny (Joyce) Baker of Camby, and Jerry Baker of Indianapolis; nine grandchildren, Christopher (Darcy) Baker, Keli (Aaron) Hendricks, Kimberly (Gus) Wiegman, Amber (Andy) Braisted, Ashley (Kyle) Dressing, Adrienne (Nick) George, Alexander (Mikayla) King, Jonathan (Brittany) Suits, and Jessica Baker; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Rev. Baker was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Willowdean Baker; a daughter, Renotta King, and all 11 of his brothers and sisters, Willy Thomas, Mary Lou, Myrtle, Flora, Edgar, Thayer, Robert, Nellie, Fanny Bell, Delia Frances, and Charlie Baker. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Monday, May 19, 2025, at Southport Church of the Nazarene, 920 E. Southport Road, Indianapolis, Indiana, with Pastor Tim Lanigan and Rev. J.D. Bailey officiating. Burial will follow at Bluff Creek Cemetery, 6286 West State Road 144, Greenwood, IN 46143 near Bargersville. Friends may call from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Sunday at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Sproles Family Funeral Home in New Castle. Memorial contributions may be offered to the Southport Church of the Nazarene by Clicking Here. You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are deeply honored to serve the family of Rev. Howard Baker.

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Rev. Howard Baker

July 2, 1929 - May 11, 2025