Robert Dale Baker

Robert Dale "Bob" Baker, 85, of Sterling, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on September 4, 2025. He was born on July 25, 1940, in Paoli, Oklahoma, to Ora Mae Watson Baker and Lewis J. Baker.
Bob graduated from Wayne High School in 1958 and went on to serve his country proudly in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1967. Over the years, he worked in many trades and professions, including carpenter, bricklayer, handle salesman, and woodworking.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Eugene Baker, Edward Baker, and Gary Baker; and his sisters Wanda Holloway, Violet Holloway, and Patty Sue Hesch. He is survived by his sister, Donna King.
He is also survived by his loving wife, Mary Conway Derrico Baker, and by his children, Bobbie Jo Baker Estes, Stacy Baker and Howard Baker. Bob was a devoted grandfather to Bobbie Jo's children-Garrett, Madison, Everett, and Caroline Grace Estes-and to Howard's children-Aaron, Josh, and Leslie Baker. He cherished his many great-grandchildren including Garrett's sons, William and Benjamin; Madison's son, Oliver; and Aaron's children, Jaxon, Wesley, Austen, and Noah.
Through his marriage to Mary, Bob embraced her six daughters and one son-Sharon Wiles and her husband Paul Wiles, Barbara Derrico and her husband Joe Waggener, Nadine Derrico-Anglley and her husband Keith Anglley, Gary Derrico and his wife Deanna Derrico, Mary Anne Derrico and her husband Sam Wade, Cheryl Hale and her husband Rusty Hale, and Debbie White and her husband Ricky White-loving them as his own. Through these children, Bob was blessed with 25 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He held a particularly special place in his heart for Emily Hale and Lindsay Herd.
To his family, Bob was more than just a husband, father, and grandfather-he was PaPa, a man who didn't just say he cared, he showed up every single day. Known for his quick wit and playful spirit, he was "the luckiest card player and a good-timing trickster" who loved to laugh, tell stories, and enjoy life to its fullest.
PaPa had an incredible gift of meeting each person exactly where they were and believing in what they could become. He was a champion and teacher who poured endless patience into helping his family learn life skills-from teaching grandchildren to ride 4-wheelers and use tools, to being a bingo partner, fishing buddy, and Special Olympics bowling coach. He was proof that love isn't just a feeling, but a daily choice to show up, support, and believe in the people who matter most. PaPa was the family's rock-steady, dependable, and strong-a cheerleader who celebrated every small victory and turned everyday moments into learning opportunities.
A wake will be held at Immaculate Conception Church on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 6 P.M. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church on Monday, September 8, 2025 at 11 A.M. followed by a burial. Bob is in the care of Fletcher Funeral Home. Flowers should be sent directly to the church for the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Duncan/Marlow Food Bank.
Papa Bob will be remembered with love and laughter by all who were blessed to know him. His legacy lives on in every skill he taught, every laugh he shared, and every moment he made his family feel truly loved.