William Edward (Ed) Baker age 60 passed away Sunday, June 8, 2014, at his residence in Rome. Ed was born on March 12, 1954, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the son of the late Paul E. Baker and Joyce Mitchell Baker of Adairsville, GA. Ed graduated from Adairsville High School in 1972, Jacksonville State University in 1976 and Candler School of Theology 1982.

Ed worked in law enforcement after graduation from Jacksonville State, but after interacting with kids in trouble, he decided to become a youth minister. After graduating from Candler he served as a choir director and youth minister in several Methodist churches throughout the Southeast, including Huffman United Methodist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

Ed enjoyed traveling, camping, and had a great love for animals. He was known for his ability to tell great stories, never met a stranger and always had a warm greeting for everyone he met. He had a great smile and laugh and did not like bell pepper!

Ed is survived by his wife Anita Gill Baker of Rome, his first wife Gloria Baker Santinelli of Florida; his child Ashley Baker Tanner of Rome, his step-children Jason Taylor of Madison, Alabama, and Kristin Taylor West (Eric) of Cartersville; grandsons, Austin and Ryland; brothers, John Baker (Candy) of Cumming and Michael Baker (Melanie) of Rome.

Services were held on June 12, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Barton Funeral Home, Adairsville with Dr. Gary Formby officiating. Interment was in Eastview Cemetery in Adairsville. Pallbearers were Pat Coffey, Jud Baker, Eric West, Evan King, Kent Dyer, and William Grizzard.