Milo A. Baker

Milo A. Baker died on March 22, 2009, at age 87.

Mr Baker was born March 11, 1922, North of Leedey, Okla. to Oliver Perry Baker and Mary Ellen Bales Baker. Milo’s childhood years were spent growing up on the family farm north of Leedey. He attended Leedey Public Schools, graduating from Leedey High School with the class of 1940. On June 21, 1941, Milo married Norma Lee Tuck at Woodward, Okla. Perry Baker and Mildred Mae Mathes were attendants; guests were Nellie Zelle and Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Perry Baker. The couple made their first home in Leedey before moving to Wichita, Kansas for work. In September of 1942, Milo joined the United States Army and proudly served his country for three years. While in the Army, he received the rank of Technician 4, combat engineer as part of the 169th Engineer Battalion. Milo was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and a Service Ribbon along with four Bronze Service Stars. On September 30, 1945, he was honorably discharged and returned home to his loving wife in Camargo, Oklahoma. Milo remained in the reserves for many years continuing his education as a mechanic. The couple was blessed with the birth of their two daughters, Janeva Kay and Nelda Marie. They made their home in several locations including El Reno, Okla., Mulvane, Kansas, and Altus, Okla. before returning to Camargo, where they lived for the next 48 years.

In addition to a lifetime of farming and ranching, Milo worked as a mechanic at the Camargo filling station and retired as a Gas Field Operator from Western Farmers Electric. He and Norma liked working as a team, side by side, on their farm, and they spent many wonderful years together.

Milo enjoyed many things in life but especially raising cattle, country dancing, traveling to see the countryside, the local coffee shop, and time spent with his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a member of the American Legion. On October 28, 1990, at the age of 68, Milo was baptized along with his grandson, Travis. He later became a member of the Camargo Christian Church where he and Norma attended faithfully.

Milo was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Mary Baker; two brothers, Jay and Levi Baker.

He is survived by his wife Norma Lee Baker of Camargo, Okla.; two daughters, Janeva Kay Newell and husband Larry of Bethany, Okla. and Nelda Marie Woodard and husband Jerry of Clarendon; three grandchildren, Tarina Woodard of Lewisville, Texas, Travis Woodard and wife Claire of Holbart, Oklahoma, Lance Newell and wife Cristy of Oklahoma City, Okla.; two great-grandchildren, Ian and Elise Newell of Oklahoma City, Okla.; brother, Perry Baker and wife Jettie of Pryor, Okla.; brother-in-law Ben Zelle and wife LaMona of Arnett, Okla.; several nieces, nephews, other family and a host of friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Camargo Community Center, P.O. Box 38, Camargo, OK 73835.