A. Wayne Baker

A. Wayne Baker was born September 19, 1939, in Powder Springs, TN, to Coy William Baker and Julia Mae Baker. The family moved to the “Burlington” area of Knoxville, where Wayne spent his early years. He enjoyed little league, fishing, and eating watermelon. He graduated from Holston High School, where he met and later married his high school sweetheart, Barbara (Bobbie) Easterday. Wayne went to East Tennessee State University, where he obtained his Bachelor’s in both Political Science and Psychology. He would later go on to also earn a graduate degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Tennessee. During undergrad, he went home to Knoxville on the weekends, where he worked on the Southern Pacific Railroad. Wayne and Barbara also started a family during this time. Upon finishing his undergraduate studies, Wayne taught college courses and sold insurance before starting his impressive career in the FBI on March 17, 1969. The FBI sent Wayne and his family to Omaha, NE, for his first assignment as a Special Agent. A year later, they headed further west to San Francisco, CA, due to the increasing need for more Special Agents in the California field offices. Wayne worked on many bank robberies, in addition to several high-profile cases, such as the Patty Hearst kidnapping case, as well as one of the convictions of longtime Hells Angels President Sonny Barger. He also did several 3-month stints of teaching new Agents at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA. Eventually, Wayne found himself moving into undercover work with the FBI. He became the lead agent in a large undercover sting operation concerning white-collar crime in Gadsden, AL, called “Gadrip” from 1981–1982, netting 25 suspects and a “Big Fish” featured in several national publications. While in California, Wayne made many longtime friends and had many adventures with his family exploring the area, enjoying trips to Yosemite, Carmel, Twain Harte, Tahoe, and hiking nearby Mt. Diablo. Wayne liked to stay active; he ran, played basketball, racquetball, and some softball. Wayne purchased a commercial fishing boat with a fellow agent and took his kids fishing. He was also a private pilot and was proud to share that with his family. Quite often, he would have them down at the hangar to help wash the plane. He also loved to go to air races, something he continued to enjoy throughout life with his family. Wayne also liked to ride motorcycles and made several trips with family. He circled back to this hobby throughout life. Wayne returned to his hometown of Knoxville, TN, to finish out his FBI career, where he continued to be a valued undercover agent working sting operations in the Gatlinburg area. He also obtained his pilot instrument rating to fly surveillance flights. He was an instrumental player in the FBI’s Drug Demand Reduction program, aiming to steer children away from drugs. Towards the end of his FBI career, Wayne was on the FBI task force for the bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma City in 1995. Shortly after retiring from the FBI, Wayne founded and ran a successful private investigator business in the Knoxville area for many years. Wayne continued to stay active in retirement, playing Senior Olympic Basketball with the same teammates until his passing. He loved cruises and exploring many different countries. Wayne also loved the beach and spent many fun family times on 30A at Seagrove Beach, FL. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed many hunting trips with friends at what they deemed “The Ponderosa.” Wayne elevated his interest in boating in retirement, earning his Captain’s license alongside his neighbor and creating countless cherished memories boating with his family. He tried his hand at pickleball and continued regular workouts at his gym in Maryville. True to Tennessee spirit, he spent many hours volunteering with his friends at UT Hospital, the senior center, and hospice. Also in retirement, Wayne dabbled in gardening, something he had done periodically through life. He was happy to share his produce, always organic, staying true to his belief in health. Another lifelong passion of Wayne’s was trains. He took many excursions through different states, admiring the scenery, as well as local trips with family. Wayne was definitely another “One of a Kind.” He was steadfast in his beliefs, an adventurer, and inquisitive till the end. Wayne’s legacy of service, adventure, and love for his family will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. He is survived by his daughter, Michelle Schmidt (Tom), of Knoxville, TN, and their children Andrea, Tyler, and Haley; his son, Patrick Baker (Andrea), of Knoxville, TN, and their son Tyler Baker (Thea); his sister, Sandi Esmon (Dwight), of Florida; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Leanne Baker; his parents, Coy and Julia Baker; and his brother, Jay Baker. Visitation for family and friends will be held at Rose Funeral & Cremation Broadway on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Rose Funeral & Cremation Broadway is honored to serve the Baker family.

Tributes

A. Wayne Baker

September 19, 1939 - August 15, 2025