Payton Baker

Payton Baker was born January 29, 1936 to the union of Peyton Baker, Jr. and Selena Baker in Canton, MS. He was the third child of eleven born to this union. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Payton leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness. Payton Baker attended Rogers High School MS, now called Canton High School. Payton attended Zion Chapel AME of Canton MS. until age 19, where he accepted Christ as his savior. This love of the Lord would travel with him from Mississippi, to Chicago where he began his career and met the love of his life. In 1967, Payton was united in Holy Matrimony to Sarah Baker of 54 years until her passing in June 2021. They leave behind one beloved child, Maxine Burns, and will reunite in eternity with his son Kevin Jones. Payton was known for his knowledge of cars, dedication to health and servitude. Payton was always active, whether that be fixing cars both engine mechanic to auto body, or gardening along with finding holistic ways to improve his health. Even some of his great-grandchildren remember his juicing journey and fitness routine that encouraged them to be mindful about their own health. Payton and his late wife Sarah were dedicated to serving others and with open arms welcomed Donald Flening into their home as their own for approximately ten years. Payton spent his life dedicated to helping others. During his career, he worked as a Master Mechanic at Checker Cab and later went to open his own shop “Baker’s Auto Shop” of Chicago, IL. He took great pride in his work, his community, and the relationships he built along the way. But it was his role as a grandfather that brought him his greatest joy. To his grandchildren, he was a teacher, a protector, and a friend—someone who offered comfort with a hearty chuckle and reassurance. In his later years, he faced life’s challenges with quiet strength and unwavering determination. On Monday, February 9, 2026, he departed this life and stepped into eternal peace, surrounded in flesh and in spirit by the love of his family. Payton is preceded in death by his wife Sarah Baker; parents Peyton Baker, Jr. and Selena Baker; six sisters: Rachel Shepard (David), Wynnetta Baker, Cleopatra Guy (Albert), Magnolia Baker, Alberta Evans, Clemistine (William); one brother: Willie H. (Dorothy) Baker; one son: Kevin Jones; one son-in-law: Walter Lee Burns, Jr.; one grandson: Michael Burns Sr., one great-grandson: Cameron Anderson and one-great-great grandson: Liam Michael Burns. Payton has left to cherish his daughter Maxine (Walter Sr. preceded) Burns; three siblings: Edward Jean Blackmon, Glennetta Baker, Julius (Mamie) Baker, Sr.; eleven grandchildren: Terry Burns, Anthony (Patricia) Burns, Kimberly (Michael Sr. preceded) Burns, Gerald (Carolyn) Burns, Barry (Lynn) Burns, April Burns, Wendy (Anthony) Pace, Sarah Burns, Tracey (Tony) Burns, Lola (Marlon) Burns-Paige, Bridget (Josiah) Seals, Misty Simmons, two step-grandkids Olive Cartwright and Jeremiah Williams; one uncle: Eddie Baker, Sr. of Canton, MS; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; thirteen great-great grandchildren; eleven nieces, twenty-four nephews, and a host of great nephews and nieces, other family members and friends. May his memory live on in our hearts, and may he rest forever in the peace of the Lord.

Payton Baker

January 29, 1936 - February 9, 2026