John Allen Baker
Apr 16, 1944 - Nov 28, 2022
John A. Baker passed peacefully in his home on Monday November 28, 2022, at the age of 78.
He was born April 16, 1944, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He graduated Muskogee Central High in 1962 and attended the University of Oklahoma and finished his studies at Northeastern State University with a B.S. in Business. Following college, John fulfilled his military obligation by serving in the Oklahoma National Guard. His success in business began in 1967 when he joined his father working together for Commercial Finance Company in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Following this, John was a National Bank Examiner for several years. In 1973 together with a group of investors they purchased the American Bank in Muskogee where he was President and Chief Operating Officer. Many years later, he joined his father, Bert O. Baker and his brother Jerry Baker at Commercial Landmark Corporation ultimately becoming President of the Commercial Bank in Tulsa. During these years in banking, John developed strong and loyal relationships both with his employees and customers who benefitted from his tremendous support and guidance. Under his tutelage, Commercial Landmark continued to grow, surviving the turbulent 1980s. In 1994 all three of the Bakers were engaged in the successful sale of the banks.
In 1996, John joined Winner Communication, "Winnercom," as the Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer where he partnered with Jim Wilburn. Again, under John and Jim's leadership Winnercom continue to prosper and became the largest producer of programming for ESPN. During his tenure Winnercom purchased the impressive novel sports camera called "Sky Cam" which revolutionized sports broadcasting by its capacity to capture games from across the field in a whole new spectrum. Under their leadership Winnercom grew from 40 to 247 employees. They sold both Winnercom and Sky Cam in 2006.
During his life, John had the privilege of investing with his lifelong friend, Mike Case and continued investing in many other ventures with his family and friends. John was extremely active with his financial affairs counseling and advising all his children, helping them all build and grow successful businesses.
He met his wife in 1978. They had an amazing, magical love from the start. Their shared family enjoyed John as a father. He loved them, guided them, and mentored them in every aspect of their lives. Most remarkably he modelled for his children devotion to each other and to family. He built a life of great significance and was charitable to all who knew him, including the strangers who were lucky enough to encounter his generosity of spirit. John believed in giving and derived his pleasure from doing just that. He was a born leader, brother, father, and husband. He was playful, boyish and full of life. He enjoyed golf, hunting, bowling with his many lifetime buddies and many pool wagers with Mike Case. His mind was active doing daily crosswords and loved untangling puzzles. He was also a warrior and fought a long, fierce battle with cancer. Through every moment of it he bore its suffering with grace, smiles and continued devotion. He continued this to his last days making sure all his survivors not only survived but thrived. His last words when he opened his eyes surrounded by his loved ones were "When I open my eyes all I see is …love."
He is survived by his beloved wife Sharon Baker, his loyal brother Jerry Baker (Lynda) and his children Brett Baker (Carey), Michaele (Jeff Tetrick), Mark McKinney (Karen). His grandchildren, John Gentry Wilburn (Erin), Jeffrey Tyler Tetrick, Isabella McKinney, Jackson McKinney, Kennedy Baker, Gentry Baker, and SharonAnnTaylor. He is also survived by his brother Jerry Baker's progeny, John Brett Baker, Evan Luton (Adam), daughter in law Taylor Baker, and Jerry's grandchildren, Hallie, Harper, Haddyn and Hunter Luton, Reece and Case Baker and Brooke Potts.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert O and Gloria Baker and nephew Blaine Baker.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the charity of your choice in memory of John A Baker.
Services for John will be at The 1st Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m.
Apr 16, 1944 - Nov 28, 2022
John A. Baker passed peacefully in his home on Monday November 28, 2022, at the age of 78.
He was born April 16, 1944, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He graduated Muskogee Central High in 1962 and attended the University of Oklahoma and finished his studies at Northeastern State University with a B.S. in Business. Following college, John fulfilled his military obligation by serving in the Oklahoma National Guard. His success in business began in 1967 when he joined his father working together for Commercial Finance Company in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Following this, John was a National Bank Examiner for several years. In 1973 together with a group of investors they purchased the American Bank in Muskogee where he was President and Chief Operating Officer. Many years later, he joined his father, Bert O. Baker and his brother Jerry Baker at Commercial Landmark Corporation ultimately becoming President of the Commercial Bank in Tulsa. During these years in banking, John developed strong and loyal relationships both with his employees and customers who benefitted from his tremendous support and guidance. Under his tutelage, Commercial Landmark continued to grow, surviving the turbulent 1980s. In 1994 all three of the Bakers were engaged in the successful sale of the banks.
In 1996, John joined Winner Communication, "Winnercom," as the Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer where he partnered with Jim Wilburn. Again, under John and Jim's leadership Winnercom continue to prosper and became the largest producer of programming for ESPN. During his tenure Winnercom purchased the impressive novel sports camera called "Sky Cam" which revolutionized sports broadcasting by its capacity to capture games from across the field in a whole new spectrum. Under their leadership Winnercom grew from 40 to 247 employees. They sold both Winnercom and Sky Cam in 2006.
During his life, John had the privilege of investing with his lifelong friend, Mike Case and continued investing in many other ventures with his family and friends. John was extremely active with his financial affairs counseling and advising all his children, helping them all build and grow successful businesses.
He met his wife in 1978. They had an amazing, magical love from the start. Their shared family enjoyed John as a father. He loved them, guided them, and mentored them in every aspect of their lives. Most remarkably he modelled for his children devotion to each other and to family. He built a life of great significance and was charitable to all who knew him, including the strangers who were lucky enough to encounter his generosity of spirit. John believed in giving and derived his pleasure from doing just that. He was a born leader, brother, father, and husband. He was playful, boyish and full of life. He enjoyed golf, hunting, bowling with his many lifetime buddies and many pool wagers with Mike Case. His mind was active doing daily crosswords and loved untangling puzzles. He was also a warrior and fought a long, fierce battle with cancer. Through every moment of it he bore its suffering with grace, smiles and continued devotion. He continued this to his last days making sure all his survivors not only survived but thrived. His last words when he opened his eyes surrounded by his loved ones were "When I open my eyes all I see is …love."
He is survived by his beloved wife Sharon Baker, his loyal brother Jerry Baker (Lynda) and his children Brett Baker (Carey), Michaele (Jeff Tetrick), Mark McKinney (Karen). His grandchildren, John Gentry Wilburn (Erin), Jeffrey Tyler Tetrick, Isabella McKinney, Jackson McKinney, Kennedy Baker, Gentry Baker, and SharonAnnTaylor. He is also survived by his brother Jerry Baker's progeny, John Brett Baker, Evan Luton (Adam), daughter in law Taylor Baker, and Jerry's grandchildren, Hallie, Harper, Haddyn and Hunter Luton, Reece and Case Baker and Brooke Potts.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert O and Gloria Baker and nephew Blaine Baker.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the charity of your choice in memory of John A Baker.
Services for John will be at The 1st Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m.
John Allen Baker
Apr 16, 1944 - Nov 28, 2022
John A. Baker passed peacefully in his home on Monday November 28, 2022, at the age of 78.
He was born April 16, 1944, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He graduated Muskogee Central High in 1962 and attended the University of Oklahoma and finished his studies at Northeastern State University with a B.S. in Business. Following college, John fulfilled his military obligation by serving in the Oklahoma National Guard. His success in business began in 1967 when he joined his father working together for Commercial Finance Company in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Following this, John was a National Bank Examiner for several years. In 1973 together with a group of investors they purchased the American Bank in Muskogee where he was President and Chief Operating Officer. Many years later, he joined his father, Bert O. Baker and his brother Jerry Baker at Commercial Landmark Corporation ultimately becoming President of the Commercial Bank in Tulsa. During these years in banking, John developed strong and loyal relationships both with his employees and customers who benefitted from his tremendous support and guidance. Under his tutelage, Commercial Landmark continued to grow, surviving the turbulent 1980s. In 1994 all three of the Bakers were engaged in the successful sale of the banks.
In 1996, John joined Winner Communication, "Winnercom," as the Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer where he partnered with Jim Wilburn. Again, under John and Jim's leadership Winnercom continue to prosper and became the largest producer of programming for ESPN. During his tenure Winnercom purchased the impressive novel sports camera called "Sky Cam" which revolutionized sports broadcasting by its capacity to capture games from across the field in a whole new spectrum. Under their leadership Winnercom grew from 40 to 247 employees. They sold both Winnercom and Sky Cam in 2006.
During his life, John had the privilege of investing with his lifelong friend, Mike Case and continued investing in many other ventures with his family and friends. John was extremely active with his financial affairs counseling and advising all his children, helping them all build and grow successful businesses.
He met his wife in 1978. They had an amazing, magical love from the start. Their shared family enjoyed John as a father. He loved them, guided them, and mentored them in every aspect of their lives. Most remarkably he modelled for his children devotion to each other and to family. He built a life of great significance and was charitable to all who knew him, including the strangers who were lucky enough to encounter his generosity of spirit. John believed in giving and derived his pleasure from doing just that. He was a born leader, brother, father, and husband. He was playful, boyish and full of life. He enjoyed golf, hunting, bowling with his many lifetime buddies and many pool wagers with Mike Case. His mind was active doing daily crosswords and loved untangling puzzles. He was also a warrior and fought a long, fierce battle with cancer. Through every moment of it he bore its suffering with grace, smiles and continued devotion. He continued this to his last days making sure all his survivors not only survived but thrived. His last words when he opened his eyes surrounded by his loved ones were "When I open my eyes all I see is …love."
He is survived by his beloved wife Sharon Baker, his loyal brother Jerry Baker (Lynda) and his children Brett Baker (Carey), Michaele (Jeff Tetrick), Mark McKinney (Karen). His grandchildren, John Gentry Wilburn (Erin), Jeffrey Tyler Tetrick, Isabella McKinney, Jackson McKinney, Kennedy Baker, Gentry Baker, and SharonAnnTaylor. He is also survived by his brother Jerry Baker's progeny, John Brett Baker, Evan Luton (Adam), daughter in law Taylor Baker, and Jerry's grandchildren, Hallie, Harper, Haddyn and Hunter Luton, Reece and Case Baker and Brooke Potts.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert O and Gloria Baker and nephew Blaine Baker.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the charity of your choice in memory of John A Baker.
Services for John will be at The 1st Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m.
Apr 16, 1944 - Nov 28, 2022
John A. Baker passed peacefully in his home on Monday November 28, 2022, at the age of 78.
He was born April 16, 1944, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He graduated Muskogee Central High in 1962 and attended the University of Oklahoma and finished his studies at Northeastern State University with a B.S. in Business. Following college, John fulfilled his military obligation by serving in the Oklahoma National Guard. His success in business began in 1967 when he joined his father working together for Commercial Finance Company in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Following this, John was a National Bank Examiner for several years. In 1973 together with a group of investors they purchased the American Bank in Muskogee where he was President and Chief Operating Officer. Many years later, he joined his father, Bert O. Baker and his brother Jerry Baker at Commercial Landmark Corporation ultimately becoming President of the Commercial Bank in Tulsa. During these years in banking, John developed strong and loyal relationships both with his employees and customers who benefitted from his tremendous support and guidance. Under his tutelage, Commercial Landmark continued to grow, surviving the turbulent 1980s. In 1994 all three of the Bakers were engaged in the successful sale of the banks.
In 1996, John joined Winner Communication, "Winnercom," as the Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer where he partnered with Jim Wilburn. Again, under John and Jim's leadership Winnercom continue to prosper and became the largest producer of programming for ESPN. During his tenure Winnercom purchased the impressive novel sports camera called "Sky Cam" which revolutionized sports broadcasting by its capacity to capture games from across the field in a whole new spectrum. Under their leadership Winnercom grew from 40 to 247 employees. They sold both Winnercom and Sky Cam in 2006.
During his life, John had the privilege of investing with his lifelong friend, Mike Case and continued investing in many other ventures with his family and friends. John was extremely active with his financial affairs counseling and advising all his children, helping them all build and grow successful businesses.
He met his wife in 1978. They had an amazing, magical love from the start. Their shared family enjoyed John as a father. He loved them, guided them, and mentored them in every aspect of their lives. Most remarkably he modelled for his children devotion to each other and to family. He built a life of great significance and was charitable to all who knew him, including the strangers who were lucky enough to encounter his generosity of spirit. John believed in giving and derived his pleasure from doing just that. He was a born leader, brother, father, and husband. He was playful, boyish and full of life. He enjoyed golf, hunting, bowling with his many lifetime buddies and many pool wagers with Mike Case. His mind was active doing daily crosswords and loved untangling puzzles. He was also a warrior and fought a long, fierce battle with cancer. Through every moment of it he bore its suffering with grace, smiles and continued devotion. He continued this to his last days making sure all his survivors not only survived but thrived. His last words when he opened his eyes surrounded by his loved ones were "When I open my eyes all I see is …love."
He is survived by his beloved wife Sharon Baker, his loyal brother Jerry Baker (Lynda) and his children Brett Baker (Carey), Michaele (Jeff Tetrick), Mark McKinney (Karen). His grandchildren, John Gentry Wilburn (Erin), Jeffrey Tyler Tetrick, Isabella McKinney, Jackson McKinney, Kennedy Baker, Gentry Baker, and SharonAnnTaylor. He is also survived by his brother Jerry Baker's progeny, John Brett Baker, Evan Luton (Adam), daughter in law Taylor Baker, and Jerry's grandchildren, Hallie, Harper, Haddyn and Hunter Luton, Reece and Case Baker and Brooke Potts.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert O and Gloria Baker and nephew Blaine Baker.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the charity of your choice in memory of John A Baker.
Services for John will be at The 1st Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m.
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