Al Baker, the son of A.W. Baker and Annie Lee Kritner Baker, was born Oct. 10, 1944, near Trafford, Ala., and departed this life at his beautiful mountaintop home on June 9, 2004, at the age of 59. Al grew up, like all kids of the state, a great fan of Alabama football. He graduated from White City High School and went on to get a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice form Troy State in Montgomery, Ala. Al served his country in the United States Air Force from 1963 till 1967. On Jan. 7, 1972, Al and Beverly Jan Moore were united in marriage and to this union three children were born. After leaving the military he entered law enforcement where he spent more than 20 years before retirement.
In 1991, Al and Jan moved to Ava where he farmed and worked with the Ava Police Department for two more years before putting away his badge for good. Al remained with the Police Auxiliary until his passing.
About five years ago, Al and Jan moved into their dream home on the mountain at Squires. Along with just sitting on his porch, Al enjoyed stock car racing, going to car shows, restoring old pickup trucks, and showing his 1948 Ford pickup. Although he left Alabama years ago, the Crimson Tide never left his heart, and in later years he enjoyed watching his son, Joey, play ball in high school. Lately, he loved to watch his granddaughter, Ambra, in her high school athletic career.
Al is survived by his wife, Jan; two daughters Angela Gonzalez and her husband, Lupe, of Squires, and Cyndie Kauffman, of Lewistown, Penn.; and one son, Joey Baker, of Springfield. Also surviving are two granddaughters, Ambra Baker and Ashley Kauffman; his father-in-law, Kermit Moore and mother-in-law, Fran Nolte; four sisters, Maye Riddle, Danville, Ala., Faye Coker, Decatur, Ala., Mary King, Blountsville, Ala., and Becky Erdey, St. Louis; four brothers, Jim Brown, Ava, Buck Brown, Cullman, Ala., Kenn Brown, Tampa, Fla., and Bill Brown, Cullman, Ala.; and many nieces, nephews and close friends.
His parents and one sister, Shirley Martin, preceded him in death.
Memorial services were held at 1 p.m. Friday in Clinkingbeard Chapel with Pastor Ed Williamson officiating. Services were under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home.
