Paris, Tenn.–Marshall “Gene” Baker of Paris, who operated Paris Fashions, developed the Paris Harbor subdivision, was named Henry County Industrialist of the Year and served on the Freed-Hardeman Advisory Board, has passed away at the age of 89.
Mr. Baker passed away on September 19, 2022 in Madison, Alabama. He
was a wonderful father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.
Gene was born on December 3rd, 1932 to Charles and Adelaide Baker in Cedarville, Michigan.
He left home at age 16 moving to Detroit to live with an older sister. He joined the Army during the
Korean War and returned to Michigan in 1954.
In 1955, Gene met Joanne Williams of Paris on a blind date. The two were married on June 2, 1956 at
the East Wood Church of Christ and returned to Michigan. They moved to Paris in 1959. Gene went to
work for Salant and Salant in 1959 and worked until the company closed in 1979. In 1982, Gene opened
Paris Fashions using the old Salant building on East Washington Street. In 1992, Gene retired from Paris
Fashions but didn’t stop working. In the mid-1990s, he began developing the Paris Harbor subdivision.
He was named Industrialist of the Year in 1989 by the Paris-Henry County Civic League; served on the
Freed-Hardeman University President Advisory Board in 1995; and was a trustee for the Tennessee
Children’s Home from 2002-2006. Active in his church, he served as an elder at the East Wood Church
of Christ and the Van Dyke Church of Christ.
Gene was predeceased by wife Joanne and daughter Marsha Diaz. He is survived by son Mike Baker,
daughter-in-law Amy Baker; grandchildren Lacey and Jordan Smith, Katelyn and Dan Strohmeyer, Alyssa
and Wil Rose, and Cole Baker; great-grandchildren Kaden Weaver, Kenslee Weaver, Kolton Smith, and
Everly Strohmeyer. He is also survived by two siblings Nancy Allen of Gallatin, Tennessee and Albert
Baker of Cedarville, Michigan.