Joseph Brodus Baker Joe MONROE - Joseph Joe Brodus Baker, 72, passed away at home Wednesday, September 25, 2013. He was born in Union County, February 10, 1941 son of the late Doc Ruth Starnes Baker. Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, September 28, 2013 at Shining Light Baptist Church with burial to follow in Lakeland Memorial Park. Joe was an active member of Shining Light Baptist Church, and sang with the Layman Quartet. He was an avid golfer and active in youth athletics as an umpire for many years and served as Assistant State Commissioner for Cal Ripken Jr. / Babe Ruth baseball leagues. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Sandra Smith Baker, son William Joseph Bill Baker of New York, NY, daughter Julie B. Thompson and husband Wayne of Monroe, a brother Maurice Baker of Monroe, three grandchildren Kara Starnes and husband Brandon, Katie Haywood and husband Ryan, and Kassie Thompson, four great-grandchildren Lucy, Luke, Molly and Jack. The family will receive friends on Friday, September 27, 2013 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM in Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave., Monroe, NC 28112. Memorials may be made to Shining Light Baptist Church, 2541 Old Charlotte Hwy., Monroe, NC 28110 or The Shepherd's Place Children's Home, PO Box 1743, Monroe, NC 28111. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com Published in Charlotte Observer on September 27, 2013.