Brother Joseph H. Baker, Jr., PNP, (2008-2009), laid down his working tools and he passed to the Great Architect on 11 April 2023.
Personal: Joseph Baker, Jr. was born in Eagle Pass, Texas on 27 September 1926. He attended the University of Arkansas and Louisiana State University and attained a BS in Engineering 1951; and a State Government (Diploma) – 1984. He was married to Beverly with four children and six grandchildren.
Uniformed Service: Brother Joseph Baker Jr. enlisted in Reserve status in Army Air Corp in January 1944. He attended University of Arkansas in Army Specialized Training Reserve program from March 1944 through March 1945. He entered Radio Mechanic School on active duty status March 1945. In January 1951, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt, US Air Force; Communications Officer Course 195l-52; Base Communications Officer-Tyndall AFB 1952-53; Pilot Training 1953-54; Squadron Officer School 1954-55; Command and Staff School – 1959; Commanded aircrews in KC97G and KC-135 Tanker aircraft in missions throughout the United States, Far North and Far East; Commanded aircrews in C-1308 aircraft throughout the Far East and Viet Nam; Senior Controller in Bombardment Wing command post; Chief of Programs Division of 2AF Hq Command and Control Division, Retired as Lt. Col. in January 1974.
Awards include: The Distinguished Flying Cross; The Air Medal w/3 Oak Leaf Clusters; The Meritorious Service Medal; The Air Force Commendation Medal w/l Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Service Medal w/l Bronze Star; Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal; Viet Nan Service Medal w/2 Bronze Stars; WWII Victory Medal.
Masonic History: Brother Joseph Baker Jr. was raised 18 October 1960, Euclid Lodge No. 58, Great Falls, MT. He was a Perpetual Member of Etoile Polaire #1, New Orleans, LA; Humble Cottage #19, Opelousas, LA (Past Master & Past Secretary); Ruston #106, Ruston, LA (Past Master); Abe Hinson #472, Alexandria, LA (Past Secretary). Blue Lodge: Worshipful Master – Ruston #106 (1980) Certificate of Achievement; Worshipful Master – Humble Cottage #19 (19S6) Certificate of Achievement; Secretary – Humble Cottage #19 1987-95; Secretary – Abe Hinson #472 1996-99; llth Masonic District Grand Lecturer 1984-87; Past President – llth Masonic District Certificate Association (Certificated Mason 25 years); Worshipful Master -llth Masonic District Lodge (1991). Grand Lodge: Grand Steward, District Deputy Grand Master llth Masonic District (1992); Grand Standard Bearer (1994); Grand Tyler (1997 and 1998); Grand Junior Warden (1999); Grand Senior Warden (2000); Deputy Grand Master (2001); Grand Master (2002). Grand Lodge Committees: Press and Publicity; Perpetual Membership Management; Goals and Objectives; Chmn, Grand Lodge Sessions Arrangements; Masonic Law and Jurisprudence; Disaster Relief Committee. Masonic Service Association: Hospital Visitation Coordinator – State of Louisiana. York Rite Bodies: High Priest-Gordy Chapter No. 32 RAM – Opelousas, LA; High Priest-Keystone Chapter No. 44 RAM- Alexandria LA; Illustrious Master-Summit Council #12 CM; Eminent Commander-Trinity Commandery #8 KT; Puissant Sovereign & Recorder of St. Charles Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine; Sovereign Master-Mt. Moriah Council #38 AMD. Member of Perpetual Membership Committee and Public Relations Committee, Grand Commandery Knights Templar-Louisiana, Scottish Rite Bodies; Wise Master Chapter of Rose Croix; Degree Team Captain 14th Degree; Member of l7th and 21st degree teams; Venerable Master – Lodge of Perfection. Advisory Board – Monroe Consistory. Order of The Eastern Star: Worthy Patron; Grand Chapter Housing Chair, Grand Chapter Transportation Chair; Grand Chapter Arrangements Chair; Grand Chapter Membership Chair.
National Sojourners® & Heroes of ‘76®: Brother Joseph Baker Jr. joined National Sojourners 6 November 1993 in Beauregard-Anderson Chapter 530. He was a Past President and Past Secretary. He was made a hero on 26 March 1994. Brother Joseph Baker was National President 2008-2009. He was a member of 13 chapters.