Bobby Joe Baker

Bobby Joe Baker

June 11, 1934 – September 17, 2023

Bobby Joe Baker 89, of Olney Springs, CO went to be with Jesus on September 17, 2023 at home surrounded by his wife and children. Bobby was born on June 11th, 1934 in Hastings, Oklahoma to Edgar Andrew and Susie Belle (Fogle) Baker. He was the third of six children. Bobby graduated High School in Olney Springs and attended Otero Jr. College.

Bobby married his sweetheart Verda Elaine Thompson on December 12, 1954. Together they raised three incredible children; Gary Bob, Dale Wayne and Pamela Mae. Bobby worked at the Army Ordinance Depot for four years before engaging in farming & ranching south and east of Olney Springs in 1958.

Bobby was an active member of his community throughout his long life. He was a member of the County Committee for ASCS, served on the Crowley County School Board for 12 years, served as a Deacon for the Community Baptist Church, a board member of Colorado Water Protective and Development Association, coached Little League and was a member of the Tuesday night men’s Bowling league for many years. Bobby owned and operated Baker Feed & Seed Store in Olney Springs for several years. Yet it remained that farming, ranching and his family where his pride and joy.

Bobby never missed a sports game that one of his children or grandchildren participated in. He would often say “winners never quit and quitters never win” or “NO excuses! It wasn’t the referee or umpires.” He was extremely proud of all the State Champion athletes in his family as well as the valedictorians & salutatorians in his family. Bobby was a hard worker something in which he instilled into his children & grandchildren. No matter how much work was needed on the farm he always made time to take the grandkids fishing and camping or a quick outing to Ding’s Café. Bobby loved to tell stories about his growing up years along with all of his experiences. Sometimes the stories would change just a little bit.

Bobby is survived by his wife of 68 years, Verda Elaine; his children Dale (Merrilee) Baker and Pamela Baker; daughter-in-law, Connie Baker; siblings JR (Claudine) Baker, Betty (Bob) Hamilton, and Keith (Evelyn) Baker; grandchildren Geoffrey Bob (Andreea) Baker, Douglass Joseph Baker, Bradley Andrew (Kelly) Baker, Michael Lee (Yeselin) Baker, David (Kasia) Sedarsky, Jason (Kaye) Sedarsky, Jennifer Niccole (John) Morgan, Steffani Jo Baker, Sariah (Leif) Berg, Amy Baca, Nathanial (Kandice) Baca, Andrew Kyle (Molly) Rodgers and Micah Lane (Maygan) Rodgers; 33 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Wanda Evans, Mary Shaffer and son Gary Bob.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel in La Junta. Funeral service will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Crowley Community Baptist Church with Pastor Jeremy Hoyt officiating. Interment will follow at Olney Springs Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.