In Memoriam: Edward “Ted” L’Engle Baker
February 2, 1935 to April 28, 2022
Edward L’Engle Baker, affectionately known as Ted, peacefully passed on April 28, 2022. The 87-year-old was from several generations of Ortega Baker family members. A great contributor to local, state, and regional causes, he was the most senior member of Jacksonville’s Baker dynasty.
A lifetime resident of Jacksonville, Baker was schooled in Virginia and North Carolina where he was a track star before serving in the United States Marine Corps from 1957 to 1960. He attained First Lieutenant rank before returning home to Jacksonville and beginning a half-century-long career in the construction materials and mining industries, working alongside generations of family members at Shands & Baker, Florida Rock Industries, and Patriot Transportation Holding. He served in superior-level capacities in these companies—President, CEO, Chairman.
Baker is credited for much of the growth and expansion throughout the 1970s of Florida Rock, which basically began as a sand pit owned by his father in 1929. Baker’s contributions and accomplishments in the industry did not go unnoticed. He received the Florida Trucking Association’s Man of the Year Award in 1984 and was inducted into the Pit & Quarry Hall of Fame in 2022. Baker retained active interest in the family business and its subsidiaries until his end.
As dedicated as Baker was to his career, he was dedicated to his community, locally and beyond. Throughout the years, he held seats on the boards of The Jacksonville Port Authority, Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, Orange Bowl Committee, Florida Council of 100, The Florida Chamber of Commerce, Davidson College, and many more. A golf enthusiast, he held membership at multiple clubs, including Timuquana, Ponte Vedra Inn, Tournament Players, Roaring Gap in North Carolina, and founding membership at Pablo Creek.
Baker was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Ann McDonald Baker. He was father to four and grandfather to 10.
A formal service was held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Oxford Avenue, where Baker was a member. It was followed by a reception, attended by family, friends, and associates. Memorial gifts are being accepted by St. Mark’s Episcopal Garden Fund.
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