Lawrence Thomas Baker Sr.

Lawrence T. Baker, Sr., age 74 of Henry had a grand reunion with his Heavenly Father on Friday, April 15, 2016. He was the devoted husband of Janet A. Baker. They shared 53 years of marriage. Lawrence was born in Hammondsport, New York, on February 11, 1942. He married Janet A. Skillman on November 9, 1962. He and his wife shared a wonderful family and an enduring faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Lawrence was a graduate of Blue Ridge Bible College in Rocky Mount. After graduation, he spent many years serving as an outreach minister at prisons and jails. He was a strong believer in the power of the gospel that had truly transformed his life. He was a member of Blue Ridge Gospel Tabernacle for more than 20 years. He enjoyed picking out gospel tunes on his guitar, camping with his grandkids, and traveling. He will always be remembered for his ability to endure hardship without complaint and to maintain good humor in the worst of times. He is survived by his wife, Janet; and his nine children, Debbie Bidwell, Sally Dimont, Bernice Baker, Cynthia Smith, Janet Dent, Lawrence T. Baker, Jr., Charles Baker, Susan Truitt, and Ruth Hurban. He was the adoring grandfather of 28 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Bernice Snell, Norm and Esther Canute, David and Helen Baker, and William Springsteel. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. on Monday, April 18, 2016, at Blue Ridge Gospel Tabernacle, Rocky Mount, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Blue Ridge Gospel Tabernacle Building Fund. His family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.