John Duffie Baker

John Duffie Baker Sr., 77, a generous and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, died Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer. Service: Memorial service and celebration of life will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 2, in the chapel of Lucas Funeral Home, 1321 Precinct Line Road, Hurst, 76053, with a reception adjoining the chapel after the service. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, www.m.cancer.org/donate or to the Legacy Boxer Rescue, www.savetheboxers.com. "Duffie," as he was known to most, was born Jan. 17, 1937, to Marjorie Duffie and Dr. Charles Curtis Baker II in Hamilton, where he spent his childhood and graduated from Hamilton High School. One of the sports he played was football for the Hamilton Bulldogs. He attended North Texas State University in Denton and was president of his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha. He then attended Baylor Dental School in Dallas and served as a medic in the United States Air Force. In 1962 he married Kay Ella Vaughan and they made their home and raised their family in Hurst. Duffie was an entrepreneur with many business interests, and spent much of his career in sales and management. Throughout his lifetime he built apartment houses, owned dairies, was a partner in the modular home industry, worked in the banking industry and owned a pawn shop in Hurst in his retirement years. He enjoyed the lake and boating, with a love for refinishing antique boats. He had a special interest in animals and loved his dogs with a particular passion for boxers. He enjoyed spending time with his family, entertaining and cooking for friends, and sharing what he had with others. He has left a legacy of love and friendship. He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Curtis Baker III; sister and brother-in-law, Stella Baker Dean and William Dean; nephew, Wilson Dean Baker; and parents. Survivors: Wife of 52 years, Kay Ella Baker of Hurst; daughter, Marjorie Baker Vaneskahian of Allen; son and daughter-in-law, John Duffie Baker II and Sandy Watkins Baker of North Richland Hills; grandchildren, John Duffie Baker III, Carley Baker and Jean-Martin Vaneskahian; sister-in-law, Lou Baker; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Victor and Mary Bolton; nieces and nephews, Charles Curtis Baker IV, Kathryn Baker, Cassandra Rind, Brian Bolton and their families; and many friends and neighbors. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John Duffie Baker please visit our Sympathy Store.