Noel Henry “Hank” Baker was born on January 10, 1943, in Talihina, OK. Hank passed from this life, at the age of 82, on the morning of June 5, 2025, in Antlers, OK.
Hank was preceded in death by his parents, Suzette (Dukes) Smith and Isom Baker; the love of his life Viola “Crickette” Baker; and son-in-law: Jack Hutson.
Hank married Crickette on March 5, 1970, in Oklahoma City and they moved back to Hank’s hometown of Antlers to raise their family.
Hank was affectionately called or referred to as “Indian Papa” by most of his grandchildren. Hank and Crickette were truckers and traveled thousands of miles all over the country together. Hank’s favorite past time was fishing and tinkering on things, but just because he took something apart didn’t necessarily mean that it was going to get put back together. He was ornery and always picking on someone. He loved his family more than anything. He also loved his dogs and cats, likely more so than he did most people. He was an avid Wheel of Fortune and OU football watcher and anyone that knew him knew not to call him when either of those were on TV. He enjoyed listening to music of all kinds. He was an Antlers Bearcat through and through and always looked forward to hanging out downtown during Homecoming to visit and catch up with friends and family. Hank took pride in being a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and enjoyed weekly Senior Citizen meals at the community center. He was also a member of the VFW.
Hank is survived by sister, Ola Mae Harjo of Antlers, OK; sons: Dale Lee Smith and spouse Sheila of Hugo, OK; Eddie Goodnight and spouse Delores of Ola, AR; Jerry Baker and spouse Jeff of Coweta, OK; Danny Goodnight and spouse Amy of Antlers, OK; daughters: Debbie Hutson of Harrison, AR; Ann Marie Musick of Victorville, CA; Sherry Masters and spouse Elmer of Harrison, AR; grandchildren: Crickette Saylor; J’Lynn Masters; Tiffany Smith; Joey and Jenny Smith; Becky and Beau Ames; Hank and Nicole Baker; Shalena Baker; Britney and Levi Methvin; Jamie Goodnight; Sarah Goodnight; Chandra Lucas; Andrew Musick; Daniel Musick; Simon Gutierrez; 20 great-grandchildren; 10 great great-grandchildren; best friend of 70 years, Delmer Coffelt; home provider and great niece, Keoma Wisdom; and a host of nephews and nieces.
Obituary provided by Sereneity Antlers.