LARRY MICHAEL “MIKE” BAKER

MIDWEST CITY, Okla.- A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at the IOOF Cemetery in Golden City, Mo., for Larry Michael “Mike” Baker, 75, Midwest City, who died Saturday, July 30, 2022.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ford Funeral Service.

Survivors include his close companion, Lena Jack; son Scot Baker; daughter Tania Rodgers and husband Jeff; grandchildren Ethan Baker, Dawson Baker, Jayden Baker, Lakin Baker, Cody Jones and wife Stephanie, Kailee Rodgers and partner Nick Newberry, Rodney Rodgers, Joey Rodgers and Jacob Rodgers; great-grandchildren Ellie, Makinzlee and Tylee; brother Dan Baker and wife Deb; sister Carol Medlin; sister-in-law Shirley Baker and many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Connie Baker; sister Maxine Schell and his brothers, Foster Baker, Stanley Baker and George Baker.

Mr. Baker was born Oct. 27, 1946, in Lamar, Mo., to Gail Lawrence and Mary (Travis) Baker. His father was instrumental in starting little league baseball in Lamar and Larry played all through his childhood. He attended elementary school in a one room schoolhouse in Kenoma, Mo. and graduated from Golden City High School in Golden City, Mo., where he participated in football, track and student council.

He married his high school sweetheart, Connie L. Gallagher, on Jan. 8, 1966.

Mr. Baker had a distinguished career as a 26-year veteran of the United States Air Force. He started his career in Supply and then cross-trained into Ground Radar and eventually Airborne Warning and Control Squadron (A.W.A.C.S.) under the 28th Air Division where he remained for the duration of his career as a Communication Technician. During his military time, he completed a B.S. Degree in Human Resources and served in the First Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm). He finished with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant (E8) and was honorably discharged March 1, 1994. After retiring, he had a short employment as a Real Estate agent and then going back to his skills in radar he was employed in Saudi Arabia by Lockheed and then Hughes.

Throughout his life he enjoyed many activities such as shooting, hunting, fishing, water skiing, spending time with family, vacationing, camping and attending activities of his children and grandchildren. In the later part of his life when he was not able to get around as good, he really enjoyed watching and following the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. He had an extended family of friends at the American Legion Midwest City Post No. 170 where he enjoyed spending time and serving in varying roles such as Exec Officer, Service Officer and First Vice.