Senator howard baker jr. Senator baker passed away today. Howard baker served this country well, and he served it in a fashion that was worthy of admiration, from both parties, all people because he was an american first, a tennessean second and a republican third. He served three terms in the United States senate, served as majority leader and minority leader. He served as United States ambassador to japan. Served as chief of staff to president Ronald Reagan. He was a private practicing attorney as well at the firm of bakerdonaldson, which was a firm his grandfather started and practiced law at one time with his father who served as a United States representative from tennessee. Howard bakers been recognized since his retirent from the senate many occasions and received the president ial medal of freedom and has received other awards. His was a life well lived and a life to be demonstrated to others as a role for legislators to work with both sides of the aisle and work for america fi