Wayne Baker

Wayne Eugene Baker, longtime Bowlegs resident and current Mayor of Bowlegs, Wayne Eugene Baker passed away on February 23, 2010 at Integris Southwest Medical Center at the age of 74. He was born on January 31, 1936 in Seminole to Chester and Ruby (Grisso) Baker.   Wayne married Morna Burgett on November 12, 1960. They were married 38 years until she passed away on September 24, 1998. Together they had four natural children, and adopted four grandchildren and raised them as their own.  Their children include twin sons; H. Wayne Baker of Choctaw who passed away in 2007, and T. Wyatt Baker of Houston, Texas, M. Susan Chadick of Bowlegs, Sally Perry and husband James of Bowlegs, Nick Baker of Seminole, Ashley Baker of Seminole, Cody Bohlke and wife Nikki of Great Falls, MT., Chastity Baker and fiance Matt Harrod of Bowlegs, daughter, Kaiti Batesel of Harrah, Ok.  He is also survived by his grandchildren: Shelbi Mullinax and husband Justin of Bridge Creek, Johni Adkisson and husband Brad of Choctaw, Cory Baker of Dallas, Texas, Chaz Bearden of Oklahoma City, Kara Baker of Bowlegs, Jayla Perry of Bowlegs, James and Bryan Perry of Wewoka, brother, John Baker and wife Natalie and sister Saundra and husband Bob Garrison all of Seminole, eight great grandchildren: Carver Crowson, Violet and Montana Mullinex, Tyler and Aaron Bohlke, Bradley, Caylee and Braylee Adkisson.  Many nieces, nephews and other family and friends also survive him. Wayne served in the Army National Guard for one year and was then recruited to serve in the United States Navy where he served by submarine and was a veteran of the Korean War.  He retired from Tinker Air Force Base after 25 years in 1988, where he was a welder.  He then went on to be a supervisor for Bell Gas Corporation until it closed down in 1993.  He currently drove a bus for Bowlegs Schools from 1994 until the day he passed away.  He is the current Mayor of Bowlegs and a member of the Seminole Elks Lodge.  He is a member of the Bowlegs First Baptist Church and Bowlegs Alumni.  He was a big supporter of Bowlegs Schools, he went to all the Bowlegs Bison football games. For the past several years he had catered the Bowlegs Annual Alumni dinner and helped out with the Welding Class and with the maintenance of the buses.  In his earlier years he coached little league, football, baseball and softball for his children teams in Choctaw. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Ruby Baker and son H. Wayne Baker.               Wayne enjoyed cooking and spending time with his family, he always had a smile on his face and a story to share.  He loved children and was known as “Dad” to many.   He was the best father and grandfather anyone could ask for.  He gave generously and was loved by all who knew him, he will be missed by his family more than words can express.                                Services to celebrate his life are scheduled for 10:30 A.M. Saturday, February 27, 2010 at the Bowlegs High School Gym with Jason Yarbrough officiating.  Interment will follow at Little Cemetery with military honors. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home. 1001 North Milt Phillips Avenue, Seminole, Oklahoma. Casket bearers will be: Jarrod Baker, Justin Mullinax, Brad Adkisson, Matt Harrod, Ryan Kenyon and Terry Young. Funeral Information: February 27, 2010, 10:30 AM