Margene Baker
1923 – 2022
Margene Baker died January 27, 2022, at 98 years of age. She started getting ready about two weeks prior because she was always on time (usually early) for any appointment. She surely wanted to be ready for this one.
She was born Margene Reynolds on August 5, 1923, in Picher, Oklahoma. She later moved to Arkansas City, Kansas, where she was raised from an early age by her maternal grandmother. She didn’t have a happy childhood, but she did love Shirley Temple movies and Gone with the Wind. Her favorite passions were school and church. In school, she relished recognition for her record of straight A’s and for being known as every “teacher’s pet.” She was equally devoted to church, attending two services weekly. She claimed Jesus as her Savior at the age of 13. In church, Margene also met Larnard Baker, to whom she was married for 71 years. When she married in 1940 at the age of 16, Margene was just entering her senior year of high school. She graduated as the valedictorian of her class.
In 1941, Larnard enlisted in the Army Air Corp. Margene happily found work wherever his assignments took them. They settled in Edmond, Oklahoma in 1946. Margene then began her 41-year career with SW Bell/AT&T. Starting her career as a “Number Please” Operator, she worked her way up to management, retiring as a Chief Operator. To further develop her career, she took classes at Oklahoma City University. Throughout all of her endeavors, Margene continued to excel professionally and academically. She was recognized for 28 years of continuous perfect attendance and punctuality. Margene first chose to retire at 61, but that retirement didn’t last long. She soon began working part-time at Central State University and later at the First Baptist Church of Edmond. During this time, she also obtained her Real Estate License and attended computer classes, becoming quite the computer wizard.
Margene poured her heart and soul into her family and their home. While managing her successful career, she remained devoted to Larnard and their son, David. She also focused on expanding her talents in homemaking. Larnard claimed that as a young bride Margene “couldn’t even boil water.” Margene’s mastery of baking was soon on full display — she graciously provided pies, cakes, and cookies for every church dinner. Her dinner rolls and cinnamon rolls became legendary. They were the biggest hits at all family reunions and church functions. With her rolls, she touched the hearts of new neighbors and mourning friends for decades. Margene was excited when the local newspaper featured her in a front-page story about her famous rolls.
From an early age, Margene gained notoriety for expressing her thoughts in rhyme. When asked to keep the minutes for her many group meetings, she was praised for reciting every detail in rhyme. In retirement, she began summarizing personal events/opinions in a monthly rhyming newsletter titled “Nonsense.” Utilizing her newly acquired computer skills, she emailed her rhyming newsletter to as many as 100 friends each month. She continued this practice for 30 years, sending out rhymes well into her 90’s.
After Larnard’s death in 2011, Margene relied on many loved ones to establish life without him. She continued driving for years, never missing her Friday morning hair appointment. She remained active in the First Baptist Church of Edmond, where she and Larnard had become pioneering members in 1941.
When Margene was 93, she reluctantly agreed to move into an assisted living apartment close to her son and daughter-in-law. She once again became a house favorite, known for her beautiful smile, sharp outfits, and kind ways. She proudly served as their Resident Poet Laureate.
Margene was predeceased by her husband, Larnard Baker (2011), 3 brothers, and two sisters.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and Debbie Baker, of Lenexa, KS. She was also dearly loved by many other relatives and close friends.
Margene will be privately laid to rest next to her husband in Memorial Park Cemetery, Edmond. Celebration of Life services will take place in the upcoming warmer months (in Edmond and possibly the Kansas City area). Please email David Baker at dbaker1017@yahoo.com with your contact information if you are interested in attending or if you have a personal remembrance you would like to share with him. Donations are not requested but would be accepted at the First Baptist Church of Edmond/Life Plus Department. She is now dancing in eternity with Larnard.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 25, 2022 at First Baptist Church Edmond, OK.