Bill Baker

William Bert Baker passed away Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, at his home in Gilbert. He was born July 19,1932, in Gilbert to the late Riley Noel Baker Sr. and Lucille Moore Baker. He was 84 years old. The founding president of North Arkansas College (Northark) in Harrison, Bill led Northark from 1974 until his retirement in 2001. As a result of his vision, Northark's off-campus programs led to two new colleges: Arkansas State University-Mountain Home and North West Arkansas Community College in Bentonville. Bill was a graduate of Marshall High School and Arkansas Tech, where he was an all conference basketball player. He was a faculty member and administrator at Tech for 17 years before accepting the presidency at Northark. He held a master's degree and a doctorate from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bonnie Baker; two sons, Billy, his wife Donita, and Iaucef; one daughter, Julia Baker Howry, her husband Randy; four grandchildren, Emily Jane Baker, William Bert Baker III, his wife Kellie, Baker Nicole Howry, and Daniel Beran Howry; and two great-grandchildren, Bryce and Beckett. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Noel Baker Jr., and Jack Eldon Baker. Many thanks to the innumerable nieces, nephews, cousins, friend and other family members who gave their hearts and souls in support of Bill and his family. Special appreciation for the long term loving care provided by Sherry Kessler and more recently Lesa Tuazon. A funeral service will be held at the L.E. "Gene" Durand Center on the Center Campus of North Arkansas College on Thursday, Jan. 12, at 11 a.m. Following the service, there will be visitation with the family and a light lunch reception. Procession to Osborne Cemetery in St. Joe will begin at 3:30 p.m. The family requests any memorial donations be sent to North Arkansas College Foundation, 1515 Pioneer Drive, Harrison, Ark. 72601. Arrangements are under the direction of Coffman Funeral Home of Harrison. The family would like to encourage you to express condolences and tributes online at www.coffmanfh.com.