William Roy Baker

William Roy Baker

Knox City

William Roy Baker, 83, beloved husband, father, and grandfather entered the heavenly realms November 5th, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Frankie, and two children; a daughter Temi and husband Jerry Webb of Knox City, a son William R. Baker II and wife LaRetha of Wichita Falls. His grandchildren were the joy of his life; Hadley Baker and his wife Christie, Landry Matthies and wife Candace, Dillon Matthies, Carson Matthies, Whitney Loper and Britney Webb. Great grandchildren, Caris Baker, Ethan, Breckyn and Jayven Matthies, and Aiden Loper added a new dimension to the family. He is also survived by very special and close family friends, Tommy and Ronnie Walker and Marjana Dray.

The grandson of W.A. and Mattie Collins Baker and of Thomas Paul and Molly Pinson Frizzell, William R. Baker was born May 4, 1930 in Knox City Texas to Roy A. and Marjorie Frizzell Baker. His family is deep rooted in Knox County, with his family being some of the original pioneers coming to Knox County in 1902.

William R. (Bill) Baker graduated from Knox City High School in 1947 and achieved a BA from HSU in 1951, and a Master's in Education from Mc Murry University in 1961. He married Frankie Jo Tanner on April 2, 1953 in Knox City, TX. Bill taught school in the community of Mattson in 1951, Knox City in 52-53, Merkel in 53-54, returned to Mattson for the years 1954-1962, serving as Superintendent from 1956-1962. At the invitation of the School Board, Bill served as Superintendent of the O'Brien Schools from 1962-1968. During this tenure Bill worked diligently to get a program started for Special needs children and achieved enormous success, receiving recognition from the State. This program led to the establishment of the Haskell-Knox education Consortium. Bill also implemented integration, stating that it should have been done long before. In 1968 Mr. Baker was invited to become the Superintendent of schools at Knox City, serving until his retirement in 1986. There he implemented many of the same programs. He had many challenges to overcome with the new position, but used his determination and knowledge to achieve great successes for this school district. After retirement he also served as a interim Superintendent for Haskell, Hamlin, Aspermont and the Knox City Schools.

Bill loved all things Knox County, and especially Knox City. His love and passion for preserving both its' history and future was evidenced in the boards he served on. He served on the Founding board of the Knox County Water Development Board, the 1976 Non-Profit entity for the recruitment of Doctors for Knox County, the Knox County Hospital Board, Knox County Historical Commission, the Knox County Appraisal Board, Chairman of the Airport Development board of Knox City, Chairman of the Knox City Economic Development Boards A & B, Trustee of the Knox City Cemetery Foundation, the Brazos Valley Rodeo Association, Chairman of Trustees at First United Methodist Church in Knox City, Chairman of the Knox County Republican Party for 20 yrs, Delegate to the Republican national convention in 1992, and the Noah North Adv. Council. He was a 45 Yr. Member of the Lions Club, a 60 Year member of the Masonic Lodge of Texas, and a long time member of the Knox City Chamber of Commerce.

Bill Baker was highly respected by his peers, being the first person nominated for Superintendent of the year for Region 9 TX School Board Association. He also served on several State committees, was a member of the Retired Teachers District and State Legislative Commission for 20 yrs., and served as Chairman of the Texans for Equitable Taxation.

Bill Baker, the educator, historian, loving father, and devoted husband, was beloved and highly respected by his family, his peers in the education world and his hometown community of Knox City. He was honored as the Citizen of the Year in 1974 and again in 1986. He was also honored by the school that he poured his heart and soul into with the naming of the W. R. Baker Auditorium. William Roy Baker was a man who made a difference in each and every life he came in contact with, and whose legacy will live on.

Funeral Services will be at 2 p.m., Friday Nov. 8th, at the First United Methodist Church in Knox City.

A family visitation will be Thursday from 5-6 pm at FUMC.