Braxton Craig Baker

Braxton Craig Baker of Colonial Heights, Virginia, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ the morning of August 15, 2024. He was born November 6, 1936, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, to parents Margaret Ann Jordan Baker and Braxton Otha Baker. Never a “Junior,” Braxton was known as “Sonny Boy” to many in his family, a name that stuck into adulthood.

Braxton lived 87 years with love and loyalty. He was a hard worker, serving four years in the US Navy as a young man and over 50 years as an auto body repairman. He had started working in his father’s repair shop at age 10 and by high school was expertly painting cars as a respected craftsman. Braxton excelled at just about anything he set his mind to and was highly skilled at hands-on work, a trait he proudly passed to his sons (and daughters!) Even his favorite hobbies required talent – woodworking and gardening – and he was good at both.

Braxton was only ever in love with one woman, his wife of 64 years, Patricia. When he set his mind to marry her, he courted her for two years before they said “I do” in 1960. Together they raised five gregarious children who think the world of their Dad.

Braxton has a large, loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his four siblings: Jean Treihaft (Ray), Joanne Zitta, Jaqueline Hallett (Mike), and Timothy Baker, as well as six sisters- and brothers-in-law. He is survived by his wife Patricia; children: Tamara Jarolimek (James), Patricia Massengill (Alan), Andrew Baker (Rose), Paul Baker (Rick), and Genevieve Mellott (Ashton); siblings: Brenda Nesgoda, and John Baker; grandchildren: Barbara Dorsey, Wesley Massengill, Lori Massengill, Claire Jarolimek, Margaret Mellott, Alice Mellott, and Isabelle Mellott; and four great-grandchildren: Tamiyah Parham, Timothy Parham, Jr., Tamira Parham, and Ta’Mia Parham. Additionally, Braxton was blessed with many wonderful nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides his devotion to his family and profession, he was also committed to his church, Calvary Baptist. Over the years, Braxton had been a greeter, deacon, usher, choir member, Sunday school teacher, children’s ministry bus driver, church softball player, and church volleyball player.

He didn’t just “talk the talk.” Braxton modeled a Godly lifestyle and was a true servant. It is not an overstatement to say he gave his best at everything – including his valiant fight against mesothelioma for over a year and a half. He rarely talked about his needs and wants and had faith they would be met. And they were.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Calvary Baptist Church, 17001 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Colonial Heights, VA 23834. Interment will follow in Southlawn Memorial Park, S. Prince George, VA. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Arrangements are by the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Missions Fund at Calvary Baptist Church, Colonial Heights, VA.