Noel Carlton Baker

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lauretta, their children, David Baker (Danielle), Cheryl Baker Toon, and Denise Baker Mullaney (John), and their seven grandchildren: Mary Beth Baker, Stuart Baker (Katie), Blake Toon, Lexy Toon, Leah Toon, Maggie Mullaney and Lucie Mullaney, his brothers Wayne Baker (Barbara) and Dan Baker (Lisa), and many loving extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Noel and Sybil Baker and sons-in-law, Steve Toon and Chris Morgan.

Carlton was born on May 22, 1939 in Gilmer, Texas but called many cities in Texas “home” until he landed his family in Birmingham, Alabama in 1980 to continue a successful career with Bell Telephone. His work ethic and dedication to leadership was first noticed when he received his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in 1961 from Baylor University in Waco, Texas working up to 3 part-time jobs while paying his way through school. After graduation he quickly realized an early telephone career with Southwestern Bell in Houston, Texas. By 1975, he was promoted to Senior Management and was elected an officer with Southwestern Bell by 1978. When his career took him to Alabama, he served as an elected officer of South Central Bell and was promoted to Senior Vice President. By 1991, Carlton was named to the position of President of Regulatory and External Affairs until his retirement in 1996.

An active member of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church for over 40 years, Carlton was a great man of faith who continually dedicated his life through his generosity and service not only through his church but within his state and community. Aside from his many hours dedicated to a work day, Carlton served as a director to the US Telephone Association, Regions Bank director of Birmingham Bank, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, President of the Birmingham Metropolitan Development Board, President of the Salvation Army, Trustee of Samford University, Birmingham Rotary Club, General Campaign Chairman of United Way, President of the Callahan Eyesight Foundation, and numerous Education committees appointed by the governor of Alabama.

Once Carlton retired, he threw himself into his second greatest passion after time with his family. He was an avid outdoorsman who had an amazing ability to make people laugh with his wit, and was a master story-teller of his many adventures in the outdoors in pursuit of the largest bass, bow hunting a trophy deer or elk, or being chased up a tree by bears which now proudly stands in the corner or sits on the floor of his lake house.

Carlton left an amazing legacy to all of his children and grandchildren. His greatest personal joy was accepting Jesus Christ at a young age and modeling his faith to all who encountered him. Because of this, we rejoice in Carlton’s homecoming, knowing he is in our Savior’s arms and we celebrate the day that we will see him again.

A funeral service will be held for Carlton Baker on Tuesday, April 29th at 11:00 am at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church Chapel, located at 1114 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35209. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, The Chris Morgan Graduate Scholarship at Samford University School of Business, The Steve Toon Endowed Scholarship in Journalism at Baylor University, or your favorite charity.