Johnnie Dale Baker was born Feb. 4, 1936, in Bristow, to Cly and Sibyl Cole Baker. He passed from this life at 4:52 p.m. on Dec. 24, 2024, in Tulsa, at the age of 88 years, 10 months and 20 days.
Johnnie is survived by his three daughters and their husbands, Sylvia Hyde and Osman,of Broken Arrow; Rebecca Johns and Judd, of Bristow, and Laura Weber and Tom, of Bristow. His grandchildren John Hyde and Amy, of Tulsa; Jesse Hyde, of Broken Arrow; Jennifer Johns Medlock and Patrick, of Bristow; Jordan Johns and Karen, of Iowa City, Iowa; Jameson Johns, of Oklahoma City; Alexandra Weber Seery and Larry, of Broken Arrow; and Audrey Weber Fabriga and Romel, of Bristow. His great-grandchildren Emily and Evan Hyde; Eloise; Lincoln Medlock; Blair Chaney; Brayden Kreps; Zane, Logan & Daniel Seery and Braylon and Brinley Fabriga. And his two beloved fur babies, Rowdy and Booger.
Johnnie was preceded in death, by his wife of 65 years, Rita Massey Baker; his parents, Cly and Sibyl Cole Baker; his brothers Harold Baker and Russell “Buddy” Baker and his
February 4, 1936 - December 24, 2024
grandson Nicholas Hyde.
Johnnie graduated from Bristow High School in 1953. While in high school he excelled at all sports, especially baseball and wrestling.
Johnnie was an “ace” auto mechanic. After he and Rita married in Gypsy, on Dec. 21, 1954, they owned and managed a Mobile gas station in Tulsa.
In 1962 Johnnie took a position with Byron Jackson Pumps, a division of Borg Warner which later became BWIP International. Johnnie worked his way up through the ranks and became a General Supervisor before retiring in March of 1998.
In 1969 Johnnie and Rita decided it was time to move home. They purchased land and built a home North of Bristow. This was where Johnnie resided for 55 years until the time of his death.
Johnnie was a faithful member of the Bristow Seventh Day Adventist Church. He served in many capacities over the years as head elder; deacon; Sabbath School superintendent; chorister and greeter. He was known for his ready smile and making everyone that entered the church feel at home and a part of the congregation. Johnnie loved to work in his garden, golf, watch football and spend time most mornings with his friends over a cup of coffee in town at the various places their group met.
But most of all, Johnnie loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.
In addition to his beloved family, Johnnie leaves behind his Uncle Basil Baker; his nieces and their families and a host of other relatives and dear friends.
Memorial services were held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 at the Free Will Baptist Church. Services were under the direction of Hutchins Maples Matherly Funeral Home.