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Joe E. Baker passed away on March 9, 2004 in Rio Rancho, NM with his daughter, Gail Baker Jones at his side. He was born on June 2, 1917 in Stigler, Oklahoma, to Guy and Buena Trent Baker. He married Ruth Sturdy, who died during the birth of their daughter, Ann. He married Wilma Garrett on New Year's Day, 1941. She predeceased him in 1998. Joe grew up on a farm in Stigler, Oklahoma, the fifth of ten children. Although the children were required to work hard on the farm, he was released from chores to play high school football, which he did for four years. A gifted athlete, he also received a scholarship in track and played college football, as well. He graduated from Northeastern College, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and began teaching school. He worked in a defense plant to help out with the war effort in 1943 and then entered the Maritime service until war's end. After teaching school in Oklahoma and Kansas, he began working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and moved his family to Brigham City, Utah. He worked for the BIA for 27 years, with a brief stay in Ft. Apache, Arizona, but lived most of those years in Farmington, New Mexico. Upton retirement, he and Wilma moved to Albuquerque and spent many years traveling the United States in motor homes and taking numerous trips to other countries. He was known for his great skill as a high school football coach, his phenomenal memory of the many students he taught and those he placed in vocational training through his work with the BIA, and his wonderful voice and amazing repertoire of songs. Joe was able to enjoy his lifelong hobby of golf up until his recent illness. He especially found joy in his children and grandchildren and championed their every accomplishment. Joe was a Master Mason, belonging to the Zia Daylight Lodge #77, AF&AM and a member of the Albuquerque Shrine Temple Ballut Abyad. He was survived by his children, Ann (Lanny) Wiens, of Norman, Oklahoma, Gail (Dean) Jones, of Rio Rancho, Peggy (Verne) Hollenbeck, of Laytonville, California, and Joe (Susan) Baker, of Cedar City, Utah. He is also survived by siblings, Roger (LaVerne) Baker, Jim (Mary) Baker, Betty (Ralph) Madson; sisters-in-law, Helen Garrett and Frances Garrett McIntyre, all of Oklahoma; sister-in-law, Ernie Baker of Garrison, Texas; thirteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial service will be held on Monday, March 15, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at French Mortuary - Westside Chapel with Pastor Rick Donaho, officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, Office of Development, International Shrine Headquarters, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, Florida 33607-1460. French Mortuary 9300 Golf Course Rd. NW (505) 897-0300
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