Rex Joel Baker, 72, of Attalla, formerly of Fort Payne, passed away Friday, August 22, 2025, surrounded by his family and close friends, at UAB Medical Center, after a long battle with heart disease. He was born February 23, 1953 to the late Guy Willard Baker and Jimmie Jones Baker. Joel was among the second training group at Siemens (formerly Westinghouse) when they opened their facility in Fort Payne and he retired after 20+ years of service. After retirement, he loved to fish and work in his woodshop, where he made canes and cutting boards, carved birds and pens, among many other things. He loved to share his work with others, including nurses he met during his illness.
Funeral services will be 5 p.m. Tuesday at Wilson Funeral Home with his nephew Josh Baker officiating. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. until the 5 p.m. hour of service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Autism Research or the American Heart Association.
He is survived by his wife Debbie Chandler Baker; daughters Cara Yates (Daryl) and Casey Story (Clint); brothers Tony Baker (Lanell) and Sam Baker (Cathy); grandchildren who knew him as Poppy: Shelby Wofford (Caleb), Emily Yates, Noah Yates, Bella Johnson, Riley Yates, Kensie Yates, Tom Story, Eli Story, Lucian Story, and Levi Story; his first great-granddaughter Joanna Wofford; and host of nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory of Fort Payne is in charge of arrangements.
