Haywood William Baker

Haywood "Sonny' Baker was born Haywood Massey, June 14, 1956, the only son to the union of Mary Belle and Haywood Massey.

He was adopted by his aunt and uncle, Carrie Belle and Joseph Baker, who changed his name to Haywood William Baker. Sonny grew up in the Lincoln Park area of Clarksville, Indiana and graduated from Jeffersonville High School. He attended Indiana University but was a staunch U of K Fan!!
Sonny grew up in church and loved music. He served as Director for the Voices of Deliverance Choir at Cable Baptist Church. Sonny came to Hughlett Temple AME Zion Church in 1989 and began directing the Hughlett Templeaires Choir. He joined Hughlett Temple in the mid 1990's. He also directed the Louisville District and Kentucky Conference Choirs in The AME Zion Church, as well as many special event choirs.
His professional career took him to many different arenas including Packaging Services and as a Corrections Officer at Dismas House Charities. His desire to help people, combined with his love of music and energy led him to a career as an instructor with Jazzercise where he travelled and taught for many years. He joined the YMCA and became a personal trainer and fitness instructor until an automobile accident left him unable to continue. He was actively involved with the Louisville Slyde and took it to a new level.

He leaves to mourn three sisters, Charlotte Massey, Nola Foster (Jerry) and Peggy Baker; several nieces and nephews including Davonne Massey-Hill (Tony) his caregiver; great nieces and nephews, church family, and friends.

Although we may not understand
Why you've been swept away;
We're thankful for the memories
That we'll cherish every day.

Of all the thoughtful things you did
And the kinds of words you'd say;
The love you've shown to each of us
In your own special way.

There is a bridge of memories
From earth to heaven above;
It keeps our dear ones near us
It's the bridge that we call love.

And these fond reflections
Are treasured in the heart;
To bring us always to those
From whom we've had to part.

Visitation will be 11am to 1pm on Monday, October 23, 2023 at Hughlett Temple AME Zion Church 2115 West Jefferson Street Louisville, KY 40212, with a Celebration of Sonny's life to follow.

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