Baker Symes

This is Baker.  Jon and I formed our first band together in 5 th grade with Corky Hanger. We would play on Corky's back porch across from Holy Redemer to attract all the girls getting out of church. In the 70's Jon and I both bought Martin Guitars and started playing James Taylor's music. Then, in 1989 we formed the first Ticket To the Beatles band, and performed on the Landing and at Unuin Station. After Jon left the band Ticket to the Beatles continued on to perform over 2,000 gigs, including last weekend, which Jon's daughters Chloe and Lauren attended celebrating their Dad's love for music. Jon and I both got our Masters degree in Psychoigy and were licensed as LPCs. We both  counseled adolesents and adults fior over 45 years. 
 Jon continued doing therapy with his beloved German Shepard Ava who was his co-therapist. She passed a year ago, which broke Jon's heart. Jon didn't like for anyone to see him sick and vulnerable. He got covid before anyone knew it existed and became extremely ill. He had long covid symptoms, lost a lost of weight and became more elusive. He had a lot of physical issues. But he contined working every week helping others, which was his passion. On June 13 he collapsed and essentially became paralyzed, rushed to the hospital to find that he had stage 4 cancer which metasticized in his spine, neck and shoulders. He was hosptaluzed twice and in rehab.  He was home for a few weeks, but  could not use his hands or arms. 
Jon had no regrets. He loved his life and all his friends and his wife Patty, and Chloe and Lauren. Life is never perfect, and Jon had his share of problems, but was always driven by helping others. His sister Jill and two daugters were with him in his last week. I was helping him with Patty throughout his final 10 weeks. Jon's mind was still intact even while his body failed. We were able to share so many stories of our childhood and of life itself while listening to James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Crosby Stills, Nash and Neil Young, and The Beatles. On his last day on earth, I told him I cherished our time together and that I had to go perform a concert. I told him if I didn't see him tomorrow to save me a place. He died two hours later. I didn't look at my phone that night when Margo and I were playing our Tribute to James Taylor and Carole King. Next morning when I woke up, my wife Hannah told me she looked at my phone. Then she said, "Jon went to your concert"??

This is Hannah, Baker's wife. I feel Jon would want me to write this.
I want to share the selfless dedication Baker showed Jon during his illness. Jon was a private person, not wanting people to know about his illness. Jon contacted Baker when he was diagnosed. Over the last ten weeks, Baker put his life on hold to care for Jon on a daily basis. Baker was by Jon's side, doing whatever was needed.
I witnessed the dedication and deep love of true friendship. I have such respect and pride for Baker as a result. Jon was a blessed man to have such a friend unconditionally stand by his side.

Posted on: Nov 09, 2024 at 5:00 PM

Happy birthday, Baker! Patrick and I hope you have a fun celebration!??????????????????????????????

Mary Parks! You will always be an alumni of Webster Groves High School, even though you were moved away ( by family) from Webster way too soon. Still, as always, love flows from Mary Parks with everyone who crosses her path in life. You will always have a large piece of my heart. And you look amazing and happy. I will never forget our all too brief and wonderful year together. -Baker

Hi Mark. Everything you've done is amazing. One of the few that has integrated so many important social and community issues into your entire life. Live all that you have done. Looking forward to seeing you at the reunion.

Posted on: Sep 13, 2024 at 7:34 AM

Hello, Irene!. I'm so proud of you for what you have accomplished. And raising twin boys must have been a handful. Hannah and I raised a son, Zach who married and has twins ( boy and a girl (Calvin and Avery), who we see frequently. Hope you will come to the reunion. I remember vou well: smart, friendly, kind, pretty. -Baker

Posted on: Aug 20, 2023 at 11:03 PM