Thomas Ray Baker

Tommy Ray Baker, outdoorsman, gatherer of friends, avid Cowboy fan, pool hustler, and accomplished storyteller, died on Saturday June 24th, after dodging many a bullet. Born to Floyd and May (Smith) Baker of Tulsa, Oklahoma, he grew up on the Tulsa side of the Sand Springs line. Being the youngest of three children, he always got the chicken leg at Sunday dinner from his Momma's famous fried chicken. He was a member of the Tulsa Central High School Class of 1958 and went on to attend Oklahoma State University, earning a degree in Accounting. While at OSU, he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. It was during his time in "the house" that he learned bologna wasn't round steak. Tom went on to work as an International Auditor and Pipeline Camp Manager for Williams Companies. It was on the North Slope of Alaska during the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline that he met his beloved wife Mary Hise, a California girl. Blessed with a salty disposition and a firm sense of self, Tom could only be his own boss. He ran a successful equipment finance business after relocating to Oklahoma City from Denver. Observing Mary's unwavering Catholic faith and how it informed every part of her life, Tom slowly came to realize that truth, and was accepted into the Holy, Roman Catholic Church in 1984. Along with his wife, Mary, they raised their close-knit family. Tom loved boating at the lake, taking his family snow skiing, supporting his children's vocal and theatrical endeavors, and coaching their various sports—always holding accountable the unfortunate softball umpire or wrestling official for his poor performance. Throughout his life, Tom gathered quite the group of friends, who, along with his family, were the supporting characters of his many stories. They were also his main audience, and know well Tom's pride in his Sea Ray, "Big Red," his camping and fishing prowess, and being the life of the party. He was unwaveringly proud of each of his five children, as well as his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of forty years, Mary Baker, his children Elizabeth Baker, Kathy (Tom Dinneny), Thomas Baker II (Christy), P. J. Baker (Ashley), and Theresa (Andrew Mattheisen), sister Mary Louise "Sally" (Thomas Eanes), and his eighteen grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister Norma "Snooky" Baker and granddaughter Sarah Elizabeth Moore. Viewing will take place at Smith and Kernke North Funeral Home on Friday, June 30th from 9am to 4pm. Rosary will follow at 7PM at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Bethany, OK. A requiem Mass will be offered for the repose of his soul at St. Michael's at 10AM on Saturday, July 1st. The family would like to thank local EMSA, Fire Station 34, Dr. Jess Armor, Dr. Richard Wood, Dr. Shujahat Shah, and their staffs; the staff of the Oklahoma Heart Hospital; and his caregivers from Amedisys. As so many would say, "If you don't know him, you must not be from around here." He leaves with his family and friends a reflection of a life well-lived. His work here is done, and his legacy lives on. Let the storytelling begin!