Obituary for Bodie L. Baker
Bodie L. Baker, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and friend to all who knew him, passed away on November 25, 2025. He was born February 21, 1948 in Atmore, Alabama to Erwin Baker and Mrytle Rae (Smith) Baker.
Bodie was raised in Alabama and later in the panhandle of Florida. His life was shaped early by the tragic loss of his mother when he was just twelve years old-a moment that built in him a remarkable drive, deep resilience, and an unshakable pride in his roots. He grew up alongside four siblings and was blessed by the love and guidance of extraordinary foster parents, Mrs. Thompson and the Sellers family, as well as his Uncle Leon, all of whom poured into him the stability, character, and values he carried throughout his life.
Bodie graduated early from Pensacola High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force on March 3, 1966. Just twelve days after his eighteenth birthday, he officially entered service. He served proudly as a Loadmaster on the C-141, training in Charleston, South Carolina, then Forbes, Kansas, before spending the majority of his service time in San Bernardino, California. He was also stationed for a time at Altus Air Force Base. During the Vietnam era, he flew in Baby Airlight and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Meritorious Service for Medal his bravery and excellence. He earned an associate degree from the War College while serving and eventually rose to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Bodie retired from the Air Force in March 1988.
Raised in the Southern Baptist faith, Bodie surprised everyone one day when he announced he was going to attend the Catholic church. He eventually converted in 1996 and served faithfully as an usher. A priest once joked, "If I can get a Baptist in the seats, you Catholics don't have an excuse." Bodie's dedication to service in his faith community was one of the many quiet testimonies of his character.
Following his military service, he spent two years as a correctional officer for the state of California. He later returned to Altus, Oklahoma, where he worked for Hughes and as a flight safety specialist and later flew as a civilian loadmaster for ABX, continuing the work he had always loved. The travel became more difficult with age, his love for aviation never left him.
After finally closing his chapter in aviation, Bodie began a new one. He opened Bodie's Small Engine, a lawn mower and small-engine repair shop, and shared his knowledge by teaching small engine repair at the local college. He enjoyed flying model airplanes, golfing, and, in his younger years, fishing-though his family often joked that every time he traveled for a fishing trip, terrible weather followed him.
Bodie's heart for people was unmatched. He never met a stranger and never hesitated to help anyone in need. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and served with the Knights of Columbus. His kindness, humor, and generosity left a mark everywhere he went.
Bodie met the love of his life, Bette, at a dance in California. After only a week of dating, they were engaged-though not before Bette's father did a full background check on him to make sure he was "acceptable." They were married on May 22, 1971, in San Bernardino, and shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and family.
Bodie delighted in giving his family affectionate nicknames-a tradition that became one of his most endearing trademarks. He was also known for his use of the term "damn O" as a noun and a verb.
He is survived by his beloved wife Bette "B" Baker; his daughters, Becky "Sam" Baker and Pamela "Peeper Bug" Taylor and her husband Chris; and his cherished grandchildren Coby "Joe", Brody "T", and Ava "T Parkin Farker Esquire the third". as well as countless friends whom he loved deeply, and his brothers and sisters in arms.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, Lynn Powell, Cheryl Robbins, Jane Robbins, and Gail Goodwin; and his mother Mrytle Rae (Smith) Baker.
Bodie lived a life defined by service, humor, resilience, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy will continue through all those he inspired, uplifted, and cared for during his remarkable life.
Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday December 5, 2025 at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel, with full military honors at the funeral home.
Services have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory.
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Bodie was raised in Alabama and later in the panhandle of Florida. His life was shaped early by the tragic loss of his mother when he was just twelve years old-a moment that built in him a remarkable drive, deep resilience, and an unshakable pride in his roots. He grew up alongside four siblings and was blessed by the love and guidance of extraordinary foster parents, Mrs. Thompson and the Sellers family, as well as his Uncle Leon, all of whom poured into him the stability, character, and values he carried throughout his life.
Bodie graduated early from Pensacola High School and enlisted in the United States Air Force on March 3, 1966. Just twelve days after his eighteenth birthday, he officially entered service. He served proudly as a Loadmaster on the C-141, training in Charleston, South Carolina, then Forbes, Kansas, before spending the majority of his service time in San Bernardino, California. He was also stationed for a time at Altus Air Force Base. During the Vietnam era, he flew in Baby Airlight and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Meritorious Service for Medal his bravery and excellence. He earned an associate degree from the War College while serving and eventually rose to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Bodie retired from the Air Force in March 1988.
Raised in the Southern Baptist faith, Bodie surprised everyone one day when he announced he was going to attend the Catholic church. He eventually converted in 1996 and served faithfully as an usher. A priest once joked, "If I can get a Baptist in the seats, you Catholics don't have an excuse." Bodie's dedication to service in his faith community was one of the many quiet testimonies of his character.
Following his military service, he spent two years as a correctional officer for the state of California. He later returned to Altus, Oklahoma, where he worked for Hughes and as a flight safety specialist and later flew as a civilian loadmaster for ABX, continuing the work he had always loved. The travel became more difficult with age, his love for aviation never left him.
After finally closing his chapter in aviation, Bodie began a new one. He opened Bodie's Small Engine, a lawn mower and small-engine repair shop, and shared his knowledge by teaching small engine repair at the local college. He enjoyed flying model airplanes, golfing, and, in his younger years, fishing-though his family often joked that every time he traveled for a fishing trip, terrible weather followed him.
Bodie's heart for people was unmatched. He never met a stranger and never hesitated to help anyone in need. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and served with the Knights of Columbus. His kindness, humor, and generosity left a mark everywhere he went.
Bodie met the love of his life, Bette, at a dance in California. After only a week of dating, they were engaged-though not before Bette's father did a full background check on him to make sure he was "acceptable." They were married on May 22, 1971, in San Bernardino, and shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and family.
Bodie delighted in giving his family affectionate nicknames-a tradition that became one of his most endearing trademarks. He was also known for his use of the term "damn O" as a noun and a verb.
He is survived by his beloved wife Bette "B" Baker; his daughters, Becky "Sam" Baker and Pamela "Peeper Bug" Taylor and her husband Chris; and his cherished grandchildren Coby "Joe", Brody "T", and Ava "T Parkin Farker Esquire the third". as well as countless friends whom he loved deeply, and his brothers and sisters in arms.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, Lynn Powell, Cheryl Robbins, Jane Robbins, and Gail Goodwin; and his mother Mrytle Rae (Smith) Baker.
Bodie lived a life defined by service, humor, resilience, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy will continue through all those he inspired, uplifted, and cared for during his remarkable life.
Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday December 5, 2025 at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel, with full military honors at the funeral home.
Services have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory.
To send flowers in memory of Bodie L. Baker, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Memorial
Friday
5
Dec
10:00 AM
- 12:00 PM
Lowell-Tims Chapel
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
Inurnment
Monday
8
Dec
2:00 PM
- 3:00 PM
Fort Sill National Cemetery
2648 NE Jake Dunn Rd.
Elgin, OK 73538
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