Dr. Johnson J. Baker, III

The life of Dr. Johnson J. Baker III, came to an end on January 17, 2013 and he has now gone home to be with his Lord. He was surrounded by family in his home in Little Rock. Johnson, known as Poochie to his oldest friends, was born November 24, 1937 in Magnolia, Arkansas. Johnson grew up in Magnolia and attended Southern State College before going to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He was an honor graduate of UAMS in 1962 and he completed his residency at the University of Missouri at Columbia. Johnson joined Urology Associates in Little Rock and has cared for so many over his 20 years in medicine. He was committed to service including the US Coast Guard, Public Health Services, former Chief of Surgery at Doctor's Hospital, and Chief of Urology at St. Vincent Infirmary. His later years proved him to be a talented artist for Alzheimer's Arkansas. Johnson was a man of many life accomplishments who would want to be remembered most as a loving husband, father, and loyal friend. His love of life was evident in his exuberant smile, compassionate care for his patients, and competitive spirit on the back nine. He has shared a wonderful life with his wife Karen for the past 28 years. Johnson was a courageous man of quiet faith who has waited patiently for this day to come. In his words, "I figure I've had a pretty good life and will be going to a better place." Johnson is preceded in death by his parents Johnson, Jr. and Lois Baker. He is survived by his wife, Karen; son, Johnson IV (Josh); daughters, Dana DeMesy (Joe) of Dallas, Texas, Ashley Moore (Lee) of Little Rock, and granddaughters, Daniele and Jill DeMesy. A special acknowledgement of truly dedicated caregivers, Dr. Delbra Caradine, George Trotter, Lisa Major, and Dwight Smith for their many years of loving care. Thank you to Alzheimer's Arkansas, Arkansas Hospice, Robert Brikha, and Paula Keith for the support they have provided Johnson and his family. The family will receive friends from 4pm to 6pm, Sunday, January 20, at Ruebel Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Monday, January 21st at 11 a.m. at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church with Reverend Lynn Lindsey officiating. Private interment will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home. Online guestbook at www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Arkansas at 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72205, www.alzark.org.