Barbara Baker

Barbara Nelson Baker, 89, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday December 29, 2020 in Wichita Falls. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on January 12, 2021 at Crestview Mausoleum Chapel for immediate family members. Her grandson, Rev. Brent Baker and son, Scott Baker will officiate. Interment will be in Crestview Mausoleum under the direction of Hampton Vaughn Funeral Home. The service will be streamed live on Hampton Vaughan Crestview Facebook page.

Barbara was born July 19, 1931 in Pampa, Texas. She was raised by her grandparents, Ocie and Nellie Nelson and spent her childhood in Strong, Arkansas. Barbara was a life-long Baptist and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at a young age. She married Kermit Baker February 12, 1949 in Strong, Arkansas while Kermit was on leave from his duty station at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. Shortly after discharge from the Air Force, Kermit was recruited to teach aircraft maintenance as a civil service instructor at Sheppard Air Force Base. Wichita Falls was their home throughout their 57 years of marriage until Kermit’s death in March 2006.

Barbara’s greatest joy in life was her family. She was a homemaker and spent both quantity and quality time raising two sons – Scott and Gary. She and Kermit raised their sons in the Baptist church and both were involved for decades. She was actively involved in school volunteer work, athletic booster clubs, and the boys’ baseball and basketball. When the boys became teenagers, she worked part-time at Wilson Office Supply. The family fondly remembers regular holiday get-togethers and family meals with an abundance of food and laughter. Barbara loved to cook and entertain her family.

Barbara married James Hammons in October 2008 and moved back to Strong Arkansas where they lived until James’ death in June 2016. After his death, Barbara moved back to Wichita Falls where she lived at Presbyterian Manor.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Scott and Carrilyn Baker of Dallas, and Gary and Sue Baker of Wichita Falls; 6 grandchildren: Scotta Rawls and husband Brigadier General Trey Rawls of Auburn, Alabama, Ashley Milford and husband Dr. Mike Milford of Auburn, Alabama, Reverend Brent Baker and wife, Alison of Dallas, Brian Baker and wife Libby of Sherman, Allison White and husband James of Lubbock, Clayton Baker and wife Joanna of Grove, Oklahoma, Tyson D’Acosta and wife Alli of Aledo, Miranda Timmons and husband Kevin of Little Elm and 12 great-grandchildren.

If you would like to honor Barbara’s life, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, Texas 76310.