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Johnny W. Baker, 87, of Wayne, OK passed away Tuesday, April 4, 2017, surrounded by his family in his home.
Johnny Walter Baker was born October 16, 1929 in Purcell, OK, the oldest of 2 children born to John Dan and Lillie Mae (Evans) Baker. He attended grade school in Oklahoma City, later graduating from Capitol Hill High School in 1944.
J. W. joined the United States Army and served his country proudly during the Korean War, stationed both in Korea and Japan. He loved and served his country proudly, planning to be a career soldier before a life-altering injury near the village of Osan, Korea.
J. W. returned home to Oklahoma, and on November 21, 1950, he married his young sweetheart, Miss Anna Clagg.
After being wounded in Korea, J. W. retired from the Army with permanent disability, in June of 1952. For his honorable service, J. W. was awarded the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal and a Bronze Star among his many honors.
J.W. and Anna welcomed 3 daughters, Lynda, Cindy and Lisa, eventually settling in the Purcell/Wayne area. He studied education at Oklahoma State University and taught auto mechanics at Purcell High School, and Mid-America VO Tech for many years before taking a position at the United States Postal Training Center in Norman. In November of 1990, he retired as Senior Instructor, after a dedicated career spanning more than 21 years. After retiring, J. W. sold Real Estate for a time, and also worked side by side with Anna at Baker's Antiques in Wayne.
He loved visiting with people. A great outdoorsman, J.W. enjoyed ranching, farming, gardening, fishing, and traveling. He could fix virtually anything and his ornery sense of humor was a source of great entertainment for all around him. His strength and positive attitude were truly inspiring. J.W. was a man of great faith, and he served the Lord faithfully. He and Anna were charter members of the Freewill Baptist Church in Purcell. They provided for and helped with other churches as well, including Heartland Baptist and Johnson Road Baptist Church. They settled at First Baptist Church in Purcell, where J. W. has served in many capacities, including teaching Sunday school and serving as Deacon since 1957.
Of his many accomplishments and life adventures, J. W. was most proud of his family! He cherished Anna, his daughters and especially his grandchildren. He was an avid supporter of all their activities, attending nearly every game and stock show. He was a good friend to many, and will be dearly missed!
He was preceded in death by: His parents, John Dan and Lillie Baker; Sister, Norma Pearl Blalock and Son-in-law, Gary G. Baker.
J. W. leaves behind: His wife, Anna Baker of the home; His daughters, Lynda Baker of Purcell, Cindy Baker of Wayne and Lisa Baker and Kelly of Wayne; 4 grandchildren, Jason Baker and wife Ashley of Purcell, Scarlett Baker of Purcell, Hilary Baker of Purcell and Elisabeth Baker of Wayne; 3 great grandchildren, Jasey Baker, Haze Baker and Rhett Tabb; Niece and nephew, Etta Faye O�Daniel and John Dan Tucker of California, as well as many beloved cousins, family and friends.
Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 P.M., Saturday, April 8, 2017 at First Baptist Church, Purcell, OK. Arrangements are made by Wilson-Little Funeral Home, Purcell, OK.
You may send online condolences to the family @wilsonlittle.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First Baptist Church of Purcell or the charity of your choice.
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