Hathaway Pines, CA…John Arthur Baker March 25, 1949 – July 7, 2026.  John Arthur Baker, 77, of Hathaway Pines, passed away on July 7, 2026.   Born in Great Falls, Montana, John spent his early years moving among many states as the son of a career military officer.  He graduated from Eisenhower High School in Rialto, California, in 1967.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1968 and served until 1972 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea during the Vietnam War.  After his service he joined the U.S. Postal Service in 1972 and devoted 41 years to the agency, retiring as Postmaster.

John moved to Arnold in 1981 and later retired in Hathaway Pines. He was an active member of the Arnold Lions Club and, as treasurer and board member, helped establish Courtright-Emerson Ball Park. He coached Little League with the Arnold Moose as sponsor and coached a women’s softball team sponsored by Chatom Vineyards.

An avid music lover and collector of music art, John was also a devoted sports fan. He held season tickets for the Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders from 1976 to 2003 and attended two Super Bowls. He was likewise a loyal supporter of the Oakland (Las Vegas) Athletics and Notre Dame football.

John is survived by his high-school sweetheart and wife of 57 years, Linda Baker; his daughter Jennifer Baker (Jason Menendez) of Las Vegas; and his granddaughter Abigail Menendez of Reno/Las Vegas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Delores and Frederick Baker, and his brother Frederick Baker. He is also survived by his sisters Cynthia Tarr [Jack Tarr] and Deborah Cole [Brian Cole].

John was a devoted husband and father who valued family, friends, community, and the simple peace of the life he built in the mountains. Those who knew him remember his kindness, his love of music and sports, and the quiet way he gave of himself.