Billy Frank Baker

Billy Frank Baker of Hanford, California passed away on September 26, 2025, at his home with his family present. He was 91 years old. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. Bill will always be remembered for his generosity and strong work ethic.

Bill was born in Okemah, Oklahoma on February 7, 1934 to William M. and Mary Arlena Baker. He was the youngest of four children. In 1940 or 1941 the family left Oklahoma and moved west to Tranquilly, California. In 1946 or 1947 Bill moved to The Dalles, Oregon with his mother and sister Marie. In the mean-time his dad moved to Corcoran, California. Bill did not like Oregon and moved to Corcoran to live with his dad. In 1952 Bill joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served his country during the Korean War. Bill served on the USS Greenlet and the USS Coucal, submarine rescue ships. After his tour of duty in 1956, Bill returned to Corcoran. In 1959 Bill married Dorothy Laverne Murphy of Hardwick, California. Bill and Dorothy were married for sixty-six years and had one child, Kay Baker.

Bill worked hard all his life. As a young man he worked in harvesting. After serving in the Navy he lived in San Francisco for a short time and worked at U.S. Royal recapping tires. He returned to Corcoran and worked on a drilling rig for Short Bros. Shorts Bros. moved to Arizona and Bill moved to Fresno, California and worked for Ace Service recapping tires. In 1963 Bill went to work for Kings County Road Dept. as an equipment operator and the family moved to Avenal, California. In 1967 he transferred to the yard in Lemoore, California. In 1972 Bill went to work for Caltrans in Kettleman City, California as a equipment operator and the family moved back to Avenal. He transferred to the Lemoore yard in 1974. After that Bill worked as an Equipment Operator, Leadworker, Equipment Coordinator and Trainer for District 6. He retired in 1994. Bill played golf for ten years after retirement.

Bill is survived by his wife Dorothy and daughter Kay Bellamy, son-in-law Neil, grandson Christopher Verhaege, wife Amanda, grandson Nathan Bellamy, great-granddaughter Evelyn Verhaege, nephews Richard Creaser and Tony Matheny of Oregon, cousins Lois Brown of Atascadero, Arthur and Melvin White of Washington.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. at the Grangeville Cemetery with luncheon following at the Knights of Columbus, 5152 N. 11th Avenue, Hanford.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Billy's memory may be made to Kings County Veterans Services either in person at 1400 W Lacey Blvd, Hanford, California 93230 or online at https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/.