Jordan S. Baker, 25, of Decatur, IN, passed away on Good Friday, March 29, 2024, at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. He was born in Decatur, IN on March 13, 1999, to Tony M. and Holly J. (Parks) Baker.
He was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, which is a congenital heart defect, and had his first open heart surgery at 6 days old at Riley Hospital for Children. He then had 2 more open heart surgeries and a closed heart surgery by the time he was 2 1/2 years old. Despite his heart problem, Jordan has been blessed to lead a relatively normal life.
Jordan fell ill in December of 2023, and would end up spending the last 3 months of his life at Riley Hospital for Children with his family by his side. The family is so thankful to the staff of Riley for all their efforts, but Jordan’s medical complications were more than he could overcome. He will be remembered as a sweet, kind, caring, loving and strong young man, who despite being born with half a heart ended up having the biggest heart of all.
He was a parishioner of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. He graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School and Bellmont High School. He loved sports, especially Purdue basketball and football. But really has enjoyed in the last year watching the St. Joe Catholic School teams play volleyball and basketball, while he ran the scoreboard. He also had worked for Andy’s Coney Bar and was an excellent designated driver.
Jordan had the most positive attitude with the strongest Faith in God, and no matter how many crosses he was asked to carry, his Faith never wavered. He loved his family and friends. Jordan was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend. But his proudest title was Uncle. His niece and nephews were his pride and joy. He is survived by his parents, Tony and Holly Baker of Decatur; a sister, Karisa Baker of Decatur; 2 brothers, Nevin (Cristy) Baker of Richmond Hill, GA and Logan (Haley) Baker of Decatur; 3 nephews and a niece, Nevin and Tori Baker and Jaxson and Maverick Jordan Baker; maternal grandfather, Richard “Dick” (Candy) Parks of Decatur; maternal grandmother, Jane Parks of Monroeville; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Eugene “Pud” and Bonnie Baker.
Visitation will be from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2024 at Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home, with a reciting of the Holy Rosary at 1:30 p.m. The family has asked that you please wear casual attire, Purdue, Cubs, Bears, or your favorite sports team.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. Father David Ruppert will be officiating. Burial will take place immediately following in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Jordan S. Baker Fund (checks payable to Holly Baker) or St. Joseph Catholic School-Athletic Department.
Arrangements were entrusted to Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home.
