One of Bristow's own, Basil Baker, didn't just honor Veteran's Day on Novemebr 11 but also honored his 103rd birthday. Baker was born on the family farm five miles south of Bristow on Nov. 11, 1920. When speaking of his life and service to our country, Baker always has a smile on his face.
Baker shared his life with eight siblings. His parents, John Henry and Cordelia Overstreet Baker, farmed the land. Even though Baker and his siblings helped his parents farm the land, they all new that Baker at a young age didn't have the desire to be a farmer.
Baker has lived through the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. He has seen U.S. presidents come and go since Woodrow Wilson. He has lived through times of great illness and poverty.
At the age of 19, Baker decided to enlist in the military, enlisting in the U.S. Calvary, serving in World War II. Private Baker was assigned to the 7th Calvary Regiment of the 1st Calvary Division. After a couple of leg injury accidents, in 1942, Baker knew his military career was over but the military had different ways for him to serve his country and was eventually sent to Europe. Baker traveled across the country and Europe, visiting various places such as Kansas, Texas, New Mexico, Hawaii, New Jersey, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and various other places. After 26 years of service, Baker retired with his rank of E8 Post Sergeant Major.
After retiring from the military, Baker worked at St. Vincent Hospital in New Mexico as a personnel director. This is where he met Ganda, his beloved wife. They married in 1974 and returned to Bristow in 1977. Together they have three children, John, James and Jessica, with one son, Charles, from a previous marriage.
Baker says he most treasures the personal connections and relationships he has developed throughout his life but most of all his family and he is thankful for such a long and happy life that he was blessed with. Congratulations Basil on your 103rd birthday and we thank you for your service to this country.
Vicki Grisham photo