September 3, 1935 – October 2, 2024
Duncan, OK
Duncan: Charles Alfred Baker, 89, passed away Wednesday, October 2, 2024, in the comforting presence of his loved ones.
Visitation will be available to the public from 12:00 PM until 8:30 PM on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at the Callaway-Smith-Cobb Funeral Home in Marlow, OK.
Funeral services will be held at 9:30 AM, Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Hilltop Church of God in Marlow with Bill Brewer officiating and Janice Griffin providing music. Burial will follow at the Eddie Cemetery, southeast of Arnett, OK, with Joan Kirkham officiating.
Charles was born Tuesday, September 3, 1935, in Roosevelt, OK to Alfred Mathias and Ethel (Speck) Baker. He grew up in Washita County, with time spent both in Calumet and Sentinel, OK, and graduated from Dill City. Charles proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps for over twenty years and made the rank of Sergeant Major prior to retirement. He served three tours in Vietnam and another in Korea, and he carried a deep devotion of patriotism for his country throughout his life. Charles married Ruth Woods in Las Vegas in 1992. They enjoyed over thirty years together before his passing. Together, Charles and Ruth lived in Woodward, OK before settling down in the Stephens County area. Charles enjoyed doing anything outdoors; he liked to go fishing, hunting, camping, and riding motorcycles. He also loved his family dearly, and he cherished time spent with them. Charles was a member of the Hilltop Church of God as well as previously at the Sure Foundation Church of God in Woodward. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth Baker, sons, Randy Baker, Lesley Baker, Steve Vang, and Kevin Vang, daughters, Debbie Farmer, Carol Childers, Darla Hulse, Erika Nelson, and Fonda Hobbs, sister, Opal Ragan, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Ethel Baker, son, Charles “Skip” Baker, Jr., daughter, Sheri Arnold, two brothers, Buddy Baker and Wayland Baker, and three sisters, Eva Mae Thomas, Mickey Patterson, and Gwen Stallings.
Pallbearers will be Christian Baker, Robert Leach, Matthew Farmer, Dakota Vang, Dawson Vang, Steve Vang, and the honorary pallbearer, Frankie Rice.
