Jerry Candon Baber, age 73, passed away Saturday, April 24, 2010 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 27, 1936 in Anniston, AL and moved to Arcadia in 1972 from there. Jerry was a member of Real Life Church of Bowling Green, FL. Jerry was a law enforcement officer for thirty-three years serving our community with the Arcadia Police Department and Desoto County Sheriff s until his retirement. He also gave service to our Nation in the United States Army. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Peace River Post 2824, and Fraternal Order of Police. Jerry enjoyed fishing, hunting and tinkering with cars. Jerry was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend and will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Joyce Johnson Baber of Arcadia, FL., two sons; Tim ( Nicole) Johnson of Anniston, AL and Lamar (Debby) Baber of Arcadia, FL; two daughters; Beverly Baber Bontrager of Port Charlotte, FL and Cat Baber Whiteside of Avon Park, FL.; one sister Loretta Phillips of Anniston, AL; thirteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents James Grady and Lillian Catherine Baber; seven brothers; Charlie Whisenant, Bill Whisenant, Rufus Baber, Jimmy Baber, Leon Baber, Leonard Baber and Carl Baber; and one sister Margaret Mooney. A gathering of family and friends will be Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 1:00 PM until 2:00PM at the chapel of Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home, 50 N. Hillsborough Ave., Arcadia, FL. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Jerry s life will be held at 2:00PM at the chapel with Rev. Mike Graham officiating. Online condolences can be made at pongerkaysgrady.com Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.