Larry Ross Baker

Larry Ross Baker, 78, of Paragould, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at home on September 24, 2026 , leaving behind a family who loved him deeply and a legacy of generosity, laughter, and service to others.

Larry was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Virgil and Jean Baker. He spent his early years in Badger, Iowa, where he met his high school sweetheart, Toni Hruska. The two married and began their life together in Fort Dodge, later making their homes in Emmetsburg and Perry before moving to Paragould, Arkansas, 20 years ago.

Larry proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Korea. Following his military service, he built a successful career that included managing Fort Dodge Machine & Supply and Emmetsburg Machine & Supply.

For 57 years, Larry shared his life with his devoted wife, Toni. She was a loving wife and mother whose kindness, strength, and caring nature were at the heart of their family. Together, Larry and Toni raised four children and created a home where there was always room for someone who needed them.

That generosity extended far beyond their own family. For more than 20 years, Larry and Toni opened their home and hearts as foster parents, providing love, stability, and a safe place for many children. Their willingness to care for others became an important part of the life they built together and touched more lives than they may ever have known. Larry was generous by nature and always willing to lend a hand, and helping others was simply part of who he was.

Larry also had a true sense of adventure. One of his greatest passions was flying. He was a pilot and flight instructor and enjoyed sharing his love of aviation with others. When he wasn't in the air, he could often be found working with his hands, especially building and restoring old hot rods. He had a natural ability to build, repair, and figure out just about anything.

And Larry knew how to have fun. He was quite the jokester and loved making those around him laugh. He and Toni enjoyed traveling and taking cruises together, creating many wonderful memories and adventures throughout their 57 years of marriage. His faith was also an important part of his life, and he attended church.

Larry is survived by his wife, Toni; his children, Jerilyn (Trace) Kendig, Jayme (Missy) Baker, and Stacey (Clint) Powell; and his six grandchildren, Aubri, 17, and Sam, 12, Kendig; Jayson, 22, and Carter, 21, Baker; and Riley, 7, and Juliana, 5, Powell, and his sister, Patty (Dave) Cramer, along with nieces and nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Jean Baker, and his son, Jayson Baker.

Larry lived a full life-one filled with family, faith, airplanes, hot rods, travel, adventure, and plenty of laughter. But perhaps the greatest measure of his life is found in the people he helped along the way. Whether it was his own family, one of the many foster children welcomed into their home, a friend who needed a hand, or someone who simply crossed his path, Larry gave generously of himself.

Those who knew Larry will remember his jokes, his love of flying, his ability to build and fix just about anything, and, most of all, his generous heart. He leaves behind more than memories; he leaves a lasting example of what it means to open your home, share what you have, make people laugh, and show up for the people who need you.

His influence reaches far beyond his immediate family, and the generosity and kindness that defined his 78 years will continue through the many lives he touched.

A private service with military honors will be held to celebrate Larry's life.