of Little Rock, AR
August 1, 1936 - August 8, 2020
Baker Hoskins Bush, 84, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on August 8, 2020. He was born on August 1, 1936 in Helena, Arkansas.
Baker attended Sacred Heart Academy through 9th grade. While a freshman at Sacred Heart, he was appointed to be a Page in 1951 by the Democratic Congressman of the 1st District. He was present during the joint session when General Douglass MacArthur made his famous speech, ''Old Soldiers Never Die''. He transferred to Central High School his sophomore year and graduated in 1954. He then attended Memphis State University where he was elected Vice President of his freshman class and subsequently President of his sophomore class. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity where he served as President.
Along with his family Baker created the Helena Scholarship Program for student athletes playing football for the University of Arkansas. Many great Razorbacks have been recipients of the scholarship award. He was a Director of the Helena Compress and Laconia Circle Levy District. He served on the Board of Directors for Arkansas Easter Seals from 1971 to 1980. He was appointed by Gov. Dale Bumpers to an eight-year term on the War Memorial Stadium Commission from 1971 to 1979. He was also a member of the Helena City Council, filling the remainder of his deceased father's term and winning re-election.
In 1970, Baker became Executive Vice-Chairman of First National Bank of Phillips County, of which he was majority shareholder. His numerous business interests stretched from Houston, TX through Baton Rouge, LA to Jacksonville, FL. After a long and fulfilling career at DataPath, he retired in 2013. He was especially grateful for his friendship with DataPath's founder, John Robbins, Sr.
Baker lived a full life. He traveled often with his wife and children. Particularly fond of the Arkansas Razorbacks Baker would take his family to games throughout the old Southwest Conference and the Southeast Conference. Many stories of glory and heartache continue to be discussed around the family table on Saturday steak night. He was a proud supporter and devout fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and Memphis State Tigers. He adored his children and seven grandchildren. All the grandkids couldn't wait to see Pops. Cho-chos and candy were always on hand for the grandkids while beverages for the adults were served. He was truly one of a kind. He was loved by many, will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
He was preceded in death by his parents James R. Bush and Margaret Hoskins Bush, brother Dr. Frederick William Bush and his wife of 37 years, Nicole Holmes Bush.
Baker is survived by his brother James Robert Bush, Jr. (Betty) of Loreta, TN. His three children, Nicole Bush McCain IV (W. Ross) of Little Rock, Margaret Brashier Bush of Franklin, TN, David Holmes Bush (Anne) of Greenville, MS. Seven grandchildren, W. Ross McCain, V, Margaret Hoskins McCain of Little Rock, Rebecca Taylor Wright, Parker Holmes Wright, Nicole Anne Wright of Franklin, TN, Baker Holmes Bush and Carlisle McGee Bush of Greenville, MS.
Graveside services will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, August 15, 2020 at Maple Hill Cemetery in Helena, Arkansas with Father Michael McCain officiating. Honorary Pallbearers are Ernest Cunningham, Jim Barton, Charles Watts, Peggy Webster, Terry Pera and Holly Henderson.
When it is safe for us all to get together again, we will gather and celebrate Baker's life.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his honor to:
Easter Seals Arkansas
Attn: Online Giving Coordinator
3920 Woodland Heights Rd
Little Rock, AR 72212.
Sign Guestbook
11 Condolence(s)
Charles (Ted) Witham
Sunday, August 16, 2020
Rest in Peace Baker! Fond memories of childhood visits to Great Aunt Margaret and cousins in Helena, sorry that we did not keep better contact with our Southern relatives. Sincere condolences to all the family.
Paige Barton Boniecki
Thursday, August 13, 2020
I am so thankful that my dad, Jim Barton became such good friends with Baker at Foxridge. Almost every time I talked to him he was with him or about to go do something with him. The two of them probably getting into all kinds of trouble🤣. Thank you for making my dad an honorary pall bearer. It really means a lot to him. By the way, I had no idea of Baker’s age. I honestly thought that he was MUCH younger. My condolences to all. I am thankful to have known him.
jim mayer
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Baker lit up the room when he came in such a great friend and always a pleasure to be with. Growing up in Helena with the Bush families was very special. Baker and I emailed every few days and spoke on the phone. We both shared great feelings for Helena . Nicole, David & Margeret you are in our thoughts and prayers. Jim Diane Marla Caren Adam Clarence Maxine & Ruth Mayer
Charles Watts
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Baker and family,
My lifelong friendship with Baker is something I will always treasure. I pray for the Lord’s comfort for the family during this sad time.
Charles Watts
Johnnie Naylor
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Our prayers are with the family.
Precious
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
It was a great pleasure to have met Baker Bush. He will live on in the lives of manyâ¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸
Ben Robbins
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
I know the joy and love that my father John Robbins Sr. shared with Baker. It was deep and just like brotherhood. I recall many of the early years at DataPath, in the basement of our home, to listen to a few of Baker's stories.
One stroy that I believe bond the two more, at least i believe it to be, was a time my father helped Baker up a set of stairs.
You see, DataPath wasnt really ADA compliant back then, I mean the company was in the basement of our home. Needless to say, one day and one attempt to many to pull Baker in his wheelchair up the stairs, landed them both at the bottem. With possible my fathers pride slightly hurt and a chipped tooth, (Baker unharmed) was just one illustrations of Bakers loyality and commitment to the company and the love they had for each other.
Baker will be missed and for those lucky enough to have shared a moment in time with him wil know why. Cheers to you Baker and to your new life in heaven!
Walter, Carol, Jeff, David,Kim and Susan Atkinson
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
I loved all the Bush boys as brother.Baker will be missed so much. Jim I am so sorry I can not be with all of you May our loving God bless and keep all of you in his loving arm always. All our love
Walter & Carol.
Vincent W Foster
Monday, August 10, 2020
What a life! Hey old man it was great to know you.. raising a glass
Donita Vaden
Monday, August 10, 2020
He certainly was a friend to many.
Courtney Burkett Kajevski
Sunday, August 9, 2020
Thinking of you all. Baker will be missed. I’m so sorry.