John Bakker

Memorial services for John Albert Bakker, 76, of Temple will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 7 at First Baptist Church of Academy. Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. Friday, May 6, at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.

Mr. Bakker died Saturday, April 16 at his residence.

He was born May 16, 1939, in Youngstown, Ohio to Albert Bakker and Dorothy Thode. He graduated in 1957 and worked on the docks in Youngstown. He joined the Army Reserve and moved to Colorado. The Army called him back to serve during the Berlin Crisis where he re-enlisted for active duty. He is a recipient of the Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, and the Korean Service Medal. Upon transferring to Fort Hood in 1962, he met and married Mary Ann Caswell. They started their family in 1964. After his retirement in 1980, he worked for another 20 years for Gidden Distributing. John had a fast life. He enjoyed drag racing and was known as "Pops". He won various categories as the winning season point's champion, and best street class. He had other hobbies such as watching golf, and westerns. He was a family man and was loved by all.

Those left to honor his memories include his wife of fifty-three years; two sons Stephen Small (Patricia) and John W. Bakker (Brandi); four daughters, Sheri Young, Renate Baerschneider (Roland), Carla Pedigo (David), and Christina Coon; one brother, Dale Bakker; one sister, Claudia Harrigan; 13 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and numerous other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Glenn Bakker.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the First Baptist Youth Program of Academy, 304 N. Hwy 95, Little River-Academy, Texas 76554.

Service

Memorial

First Baptist Church The Academy
304 North HWY 95
Little River- Academy, TX  76554
Saturday, May 7, 2016
2:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery
11463 South Highway 195
Killeen, TX  76542

Memorial Contributions

First Baptist Church of Academy Youth Program
304 North Hwy 95
Little River-Academy, TX  76554