Arthur “Archie” Baker, age 72 of Joplin, Mo. passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Freeman Hospital following a sudden illness.

Archie was born on June 17, 1945 in Stockton, Mo. the son of Paul and Maxine (Keith) Baker. He has been a lifetime area resident. Archie was self-employed and worked as a contractor for many years. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially taking his grandsons fishing and hunting and teaching them to be ornery.

He married the love of his life, Rita Slankard on November 1, 1965, and they remained happily married for over 52 years. Rita survives, additional survivors include five daughters; Lisa Dillon and husband Adam of Joplin, Chris McKeehan and husband Doug of Joplin, Gayle Jenkins and husband John of Fayetteville, Ar., Lea Ann James and husband Robert of St. Louis, Mo., Tara McDonald and husband Richard of Joplin, four sisters; Pat Marvin, Mary Kinney, Carol Butcher and his very special sister, Edith Snow and husband Kevin of Joplin, sixteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. Archie was preceded in death by his parents and by two brothers, Jack and Paul Baker.

Services have been scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation prior to the start of the service beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.