Bobby Joe Baker, longtime Barnsdall resident, passed away Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at Jane Phillips Medical Center in Bartlesville, OK at the age of 84 years. Bobby was born August 13, 1932 in Short, OK to Arthur L. and Gladys B. (Denny) Baker. He was raised and received his education in the Nicut and Short communities, graduating from Muldrow High School with the class of 1951. Bobby then attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1954. Then, in September of 1954, he enlisted in the US Army during the Korean War. He attended basic training in Fort Bliss, TX and then he was stationed at Allison Air Force Base in Fairbanks, AK for one and one-half years. While in the army, Bobby trained and served as a radar operator for the 502nd Anti Artillery Battery. His rank was Specialist 3rd Class and he received a Marksmanship medal and a Good Conduct medal. Bobby served his country until his honorable discharge in August of 1956. In 1962, Bobby received his Master’s Degree in School Administration and his Elementary Principal Certification. In addition to his formal education, he took advanced studies at Northeastern State University and Oklahoma State University for his High School Principal Certification and Superintendent Certification. Bobby was an employee of Barnsdall Public Schools for 38 years. He started his teaching career as a business education teacher at the high school and then became elementary school principal. He retired as an elementary school principal and assistant superintendent in 1994. He also did tax work for many individuals for many years. Baker Tax Service was established in 1957 and the family owned business is still in operation today. On August 29, 1964, Bobby and Dorthea L. Standridge were united in marriage in Poteau, OK. To this union, three sons were born; Alan, Kendall and Joey. Bobby and Dorthea have been married for 52 years.
Bobby was a longtime member of the Barnsdall Nazarene Church and a member of the American Legion, Oklahoma Education Association and National Education Association. In his spare time, besides doing tax work, Bobby enjoyed going to auctions, traveling with family and friends, camping, fishing, attending family sporting events, working on his farm, taking care of his cattle, listening to music, whistling, playing the guitar and enjoying what he would call, “living the good life”. However, even amidst of all these wonderful hobbies, family was always a priority, especially the grandchildren.
Those that survive and hold many cherished memories are his wife – Dorthea of the home; sons – Alan Baker and wife Melody of Cleveland, OK; Kendall Baker and wife Kimberly of Bartlesville, OK and Joey Baker and wife Carrie of Barnsdall, OK. Also surviving are his grandchildren Zackary, Avery, Dylan, Brooke, Bobby Joe, Zoey and William; as well as brothers Gene Baker and wife Peggy of Conroe, TX; Clebern Baker and wife Maebelle of Tahlequah, OK and Edward Baker and wife Connie of Short, OK; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be from 4pm – 8pm on Thursday, April 13, 2017 in the sanctuary of the Barnsdall Nazarene Church. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, April 14, 2017 in the Barnsdall High School gymnasium with Pastor Jim Johnson and Pastor Edward Baker officiating. A graveside service will conclude in the Ethel Reece Cemetery (new addition) with military honors accorded by the United States Army. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, those that would like to honor Bobby’s memory, do so by contributing to the Barnsdall Nazarene Church, PO Box 210, Barnsdall, OK 74002. Arrangements and services were entrusted to the Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso, OK. www.moweryfs.com
