Wayne Baker

Wayne Baker, 94, of Canadian, entered his heavenly home on January 16, 2018. Services will be 2:00 PM Monday, January 22, 2018, at First Christian Church of Canadian with Matt Cook officiating. Burial will follow in Edith Ford Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Canadian. Wayne was born March 4, 1923 to Charlie and Agnes Baker in Canadian, Texas, where he lived all his life. He graduated Canadian High in 1941 and soon joined the US Army Air Corp. He was stationed at Hardwick Air Force base in England for most of his time of service. After the war ended, he came home and married his high school sweetheart, Maxine Bryan on July 7, 1945. After her death, Wayne married Shirley Handley on January 16, 1999. Wayne was an engineer for Texas Highway Department from 1946 until the local office closed in 1976. After that he worked as a surveyor and eventually as the business manager for an oilfield supply company. After his third retirement, he jumped into all sorts of volunteer work and was known around Canadian as someone who was always willing to serve others in any way needed. Wayne was especially dedicated to the Edward Abraham Memorial Home and spent countless hours over 30 years being their handyman, their bus driver, their entertainment, their devotional leader and many other things. In 1993, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce chose Wayne as Canadian’s Man of the Year for his tireless service to the community. Wayne was deeply devoted to his God and had an enormous Christian impact on countless people. He served as an elder at First Christian Church for decades. He also served from 1975 until 1992 on the Board of Directors of Cookson Hills Christian Children’s Homes. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Maxine, and 3 sisters and 1 brother. He is survived by his wife Shirley of the home; a daughter Carolyn Sims and her husband Dave of Canyon; three grandchildren: Bryan Sims and wife MyLinda of Wilmore, Kentucky; Beth Broom and husband Kenny of Denton; and Britt Sims of New Braunfels; and 12 great-grandchildren; 3 step-children: Mark Handley and wife Mary of Alvarado; Laurie Crouch and husband Randy of Richmond; Kelly Handley of wife Becca of Amarillo; and 8 step-grandchildren and10 step-great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions in Wayne’s honor can be made to Hemphill County Hospice, 1020 S. 4th, Canadian, Texas 79014; or to the Edward Abraham Memorial Home, 803 Birch, Canadian, Texas 79014. The family will host a viewing and visitation time on Sunday, January 21 from 3:00 to 5:00 at Carmichael Whatley Funeral Home in Canadian.