Charles A. “Charlie” Baker was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 15th.
The oldest of ten children, Charlie was born September 3, 1931 in Atkins, Arkansas to Frank
and Minnie Baker. He spent the majority of his childhood in Vian, Oklahoma. Upon his high
school graduation, he joined the Navy and served as an Aviation Electrician. Soon after, he met
and married his first love, Nancy Moore and they began a family. His Navy training led the family
to Cape Canaveral where Charlie accepted a job with NASA. During his time there, he was part
of both the Gemini and Apollo missions. Later, he and his family relocated to Kentucky for
another job opportunity with BF Goodrich. After getting established, he lost his wife and began
his role as a single father. Charlie was fortunate enough to find a second love, Betty Reynolds
Ham. The two of them successfully blended two families and recently celebrated their 41st
wedding anniversary.
Charlie was a kind and hardworking man. To know him was to love him and everyone knew him.
You could find him at a car lot, local restaurant, visiting neighbors, or just driving around town.
He was a member of Vanzora Baptist Church. He spent much of his time giving back to the
community. As a longstanding and active member of both the Masons (T.L. Jefferson Masonic
Lodge #401) and Rizpah Shrine Temple (Madisonville), Charlie organized and participated in
local charity events. He had the privilege of transporting hundreds of children to Shriners
Hospitals. Charlie was also a KY Colonel and Advisor of the former Lakeland Chapter of
Demolay. Throughout the years, he has worn many hats and answered to many names. Charlie,
Charles A., Uncle Charles, Mr. Baker, Dad, Husband, Brother, Son, and friend to name a few.
Though all of these names were special to him, Papaw was the one he was most known by and
proud of. It was evident through his attendance at sporting events and through the stories he
shared about his grandkids.
Charlie is survived by his wife of 41 years, Betty Baker; sons David Baker (wife Pat), Eric Baker
(wife Sherry), Danny Ham (wife Darla), Larry Ham (wife Cynthia); daughter Cathy Woods
(husband Johnny); sisters, Meda “Posie” Holt and Sue Isham; brothers, Bill “Bid” Baker, Roger
Baker, and Paul Baker along with thirteen grandkids, twenty-three great grandkids, several
nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy; parents, Frank and Minnie Baker; daughters, Teri
Chiles and Carla Ham Reed; siblings, Carmon “Boocher” Baker, Johnny Baker, Donald Baker,
and Oleta Barton.
Funeral Service will be Wednesday December 28, 2022 at 1:00 pm at Collier Funeral Chapel, Bro. Mike Farmer will be officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Wednesday December 28, 2022. Masonic Rites will be at 1:00 pm before the Funeral Service.
Interment with Military Rites at graveside at Vanzora Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Shriner’s Childrens Hospital 2900 Rocky Point Drive Tampa, FL 33607.
All arrangements are being conducted by Collier Funeral Home.