Cleatus O. Baker

Cleatus Osbert Baker was born March 4, 1921 in Oakwood, Oklahoma, the son of Joel and Anna Baker. After attending schools in Nobscott, Oklahoma, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving for over three years in Europe during World War II in the 3262nd Ordnance Base Depot Company in various locations. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Oklahoma where he met and married Hattie Inez Carper. After their marriage in August 1946 they resided first in Oklahoma, then in Wilder, Idaho, where their only son, Jerry Wayne, was born in 1953. While in Idaho, the Bakers owned and operated a restaurant. Shortly after their son’s birth, they relocated to Richland, Washington, where Cleatus worked for a long distance trucking company hauling large mobile homes for dealerships all over the United States. Several years later he took a job with the Columbia River Irrigation District where he remained until his retirement in 1978. In 1983 the couple moved to the Whitehouse, Texas area to be closer to their three grandchildren, whom they adored. Inez passed away in December 1995. In addition to enjoying his retirement and grandchildren, Cleatus was involved in helping various ministries, including that of his son and daughter-in-law. This often involved traveling around the country assisting in any way he could, from hauling a tent and equipment to pounding tent stakes and raising the tent, as well as attending to it in horrific wind storms; giving of his time, talents and financial means to help various ministries all over the country; building and maintaining a lovely mobile home park; and contributing in many ways to his local church throughout the years. His passion and first priority in life was always the work of God, making a difference in the lives of those around him. He had a true servant’s heart, the gift of “helps” and was a kind and gentle man to all he met. He loved to tinker with vehicles, go to garage sales, collect used parts, build things and fix whatever needed fixing. He was a worker, a survivor, growing up in Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, and later a war hero, surviving numerous buzz bombs and other attacks. But even so, he rarely talked about these experiences. He was truly part of “The Greatest Generation”, a true hero. In December 1996, Cleatus married Nellie Bedair of Whitehouse and they lived in that area until moving to Lubbock, Texas in 2015. Nellie passed away in February of this year. In addition to his parents and spouses, Cleatus was preceded in death by his only son, Jerry Wayne Baker, in 2006; one grandson, Jason William Baker; a sister, Alpha Lois Baker; and stepdaughter, Wanda Garrett. He is survived by a brother, Harlon Baker of Twin Falls, Idaho; grandchildren, Jared Baker (Jessica); Rachelle Harp (Matthew); and Shannon Baker Ivison (Kurt); six great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Hannah, Jonathan, Nathaniel, and Abigail Baker and Margaret Harp; and daughter-in-law, Rebecca Bafford, as well as several step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A celebration of the life of Cleatus Baker will be held Tuesday, May 9, at 1:00 PM at the Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy., Tyler, with Pastor Jared Baker officiating. Visitation for friends and family will be one hour prior to the service, at 12:00 Noon. Burial will follow at Whitehouse Cemetery in Whitehouse. Pallbearers will be Matthew Harp, Kurt Ivison, Jonathan Baker, Nathaniel Baker, Russ Bafford, Tony Henson, Joe Ivison, Bobby Nick. Dale Moran will serve as honorary pallbearer.

Cleatus O. Baker

March 4, 1921 - May 4, 2017