Harvey Baker Jr., age 90, of Jacksonville Florida, entered into God’s Kingdom on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025. He was born January 24, 1934, to Esther and Harvey Baker, Sr.
Harvey is survived by his sister Anne Baker McLain Thompson; children Harvey Baker III (Barbara), Delorse Gilbert (Charles), Brian Baker (Jeehyun), Carroll Baker, and LaShawnta Baker; grandchildren Sarah Bartholomew, Dorothy Bartholomew, Sydney Bartholomew, Harvey Baker IV, Anthony Baker, Antonio Baker, Eric Baker, Brittany Baker, Dorothy Baker, Sarome Kang, Michael Barnes, Latrecia Barnes, Charlzie Gilbert, Christopher Gilbert, Jaylin Gilbert, Juan Singleton, Larry Stokes and Jo-Lasia Fulgham along with several great-grandchildren, and his faithful dog Jake.
Harvey graduated from Matthew Gilbert High School in 1952 and went on to attend FAMU for the following 2 years. In 1954, Harvey joined the U.S. Army where he spent the next eight years working as a radio communications specialist. In 1957, Harvey married his wife Dorothy Crawford in Eatontown, NJ, (Ft. Monmouth), and they would remain married until her passing in 1995.
In 1961, Harvey re-enlisted in the Army and spent the next six years as an Army helicopter pilot. During this time, he was able to further his education, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and going on to a Master’s level degree from Methodist University.
Throughout his military career, Harvey and his wife were able to travel to several countries while expanding their family. From 1964 to 1967 they were stationed in Italy. From there, Harvey went on to do two tours in Vietnam during the War and was stationed there from October 1967 to October 1968 and again from April 1970 to February 1971. From August 1973 to August 1976 Harvey and his family were stationed in Germany and then after twenty- three years of devoted service to his beloved country he retired from the military to go on to his next adventure as being appointed to the first Black Communication Division Chief for the City of Jacksonville.
Over the course of twenty years, Harvey worked alongside Jacksonville Mayors Hanz Tanzler, Jake Godbold, Tommy Hazouri, and Ed Austin in his capacity as Communication Division Chief. It was during this time that he was responsible for various tasks including implementing the emergency 911 system throughout Duval County. Harvey Baker was responsible for all telecommunications for Duval County Public Schools, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department until he retired in 1996. From that time Harvey enjoyed a full life as a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Harvey was and remains a true gentleman, whose impact will be forever felt by his family and loved ones. He worked tirelessly throughout the course of his life to ensure that his family and community were well provided for, and his passing has left an unfillable gap in the hearts of many. His ability to sacrifice, provide, forgive, love, and support will forever be engrained in the hearts and minds of everyone that knew him.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, January 17th at the Evergreen Funeral Home Chapel, 4535 Main Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32206. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am prior to the funeral service. Evergreen’s chapel is located at the base of the bell tower on the grounds of Evergreen Cemetery. Entombment will be at Evergreen Cemetery following the service. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Evergreen Funeral Home – (904) 353-3649.
“A true man transcends time and space.”
Add Comment