Mr. Henry Warren Baker, Sr.

Coach Henry Warren “Slim” Baker, Sr. was born April 26, 1937 in Valdosta, Georgia to the late Herbert and Amie Lee Harrell Baker. He was educated in the Valdosta City school system where he graduated from Pinevale High School. He departed this life on July 19, 2015 at Emory Medical Hospital (Atlanta, Georgia).


“Slim” was a member of St. Peter’s AME Church from an early age. After graduating from high school he received several prestigious academic scholarships to attend a number of colleges and universities. He chose to attend Alcorn State University in Lorman, MS, where he graduated first in his class. Upon completion of his Bachelor of Science degree, the Natchez Board of Education employed him where he worked five years as a teacher and basketball coach.


Coach Baker relocated to Paterson, NJ. in 1967 where he accepted a position with the Paterson Board of Education as a teacher and athletic coach. Coach Baker wore many hats; not only was he a father to his own children, but also gave unselfishly to the needs of many other children in the community as a leader and mentor.


Coach Baker was a member of several community organizations: Vice President – Board of Directors of Children’s Haven; Vice President – Afrikan American Men Interested Neighborhood Development; Assistant Director (1968–1975) Martin Luther King Community Center; Director (1980-1987) Planned Parenthood Association; member of Calvary Baptist Church of Garfield, NJ and co-founder and member of the B.R.O.T.H.E.R.S. Group of Paterson, NJ.


In 1971, Coach Baker began his teaching career at Eastside High School in Paterson, NJ. He was also hired as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach. He led the Ghost’s Men’s Basketball program from1972-1979 and 1992-2007. During this time Coach Baker led scores of young men both on and off the court and in the process brought many accomplishments to Eastside. Aside from accumulating over 300 wins in basketball, the Eastside Ghosts, under his tutelage, won 4 Passaic County Basketball Championships (1993, 2003, 2004, 2007), 4 Sectional Basketball Championships (1974, 1975, 1976, 1992) and 2 State Championships (1974, 1975). The Passaic County Coaches Association and NNJIL honored Coach Baker as “Coach of the Year” on numerous occasions.


While at Eastside, Coach Baker also served as the Head Track & Field Coach for Boys (1971 – 1972 and 1989 - 2007) and Girls (1976 – 1989). Under his direction the teams won 3 State Championships, 2 NNJIL Championships and 5 County Championships.


Coach Baker took a break from high school coaching in 1980 and became the Athletic Director and Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Passaic County Community College from 1980-1991. He was also instrumental in establishing the school’s Men’s Soccer and Woman's Basketball Team.


Prior to his retirement in 2007, Coach Baker help found and served as Lead Teacher at the Sports Business Academy in Paterson, New Jersey beginning in 2003.
Coach Baker was united in holy matrimony to his devoted wife Rubye V. Baker for over 40 years. He leaves to mourn six children: Deborah Marie Baker of Valdosta, Georgia; Edith Marie Baker of Dallas, Texas; Ronald Baker of Tallahassee, Florida; Michael DeLeon Baker (Jarmilla) of Mount Vernon, New York; Henry W. Baker, Jr. (Theresa) of Bear, DE; and Brittnye Nicole Baker of Valdosta, Georgia; one brother, Harold James Baker (Janice) of Valdosta; two sister-in-laws, Wilmatean Baker and Bernice (Sarah) Baker; four grandchildren; three great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, athletes and students whose lives he helped empower in the community of Paterson, NJ as an ambassador of walking wisdom and knowledge. Because of his special love and devotion, all referred to him as their “Father”.
His parents Amie Lee and Herbert Baker, two sisters Loreane Mack and Venda Mae Sermons, three brothers, DeLeon Baker, Jackson Baker, and Franklin Wright preceded him in death.
Coach Baker’s Favorite Quote: “You measure the size of your accomplishment by the size of the obstacles you had to overcome to reach your goals successfully“.

The celebration of life for the late Mr. Henry Warren Baker, Sr., will be held Friday, July 31, 2015 at 11:00am from the sanctuary of St. Paul AME Church.

Rev. Billy G. McFadden is the pastor.

Rev. Darren Neal is the eulogist.

Interment will follow in the Sunset Hill Cemetery.