John Stephen Baker

John Stephen Baker, 85, passed away on September 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of the family who meant so much to him. John was a devoted Christian whose faith was an important part of the way he lived his life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and nothing brought him more joy than his family. John proudly served in the United States Air Force for four years and worked as a journeyman electrician. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was passionate about his community and served on the Altus City Council for over 30 years. Throughout his life, John enjoyed golfing, riding his motorcycle, gardening, and his regular coffee time at Circle M. To his grandchildren, though, he was simply Papaw—and some of their favorite memories are the ones that could only belong to him. He loved buying them junk food and Cokes, spoiling them whenever he had the chance, and taking them on road trip adventures! Those everyday moments became treasured memories and are part of what made him so deeply loved. John was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Pearl Baker, and his late wife Sara Kizer Baker and stepson, Bryan Hutchison. He is survived by his wife, Alice Baker; his three daughters, Tina Kinney and husband David, Stephanie Melton and husband Eddie, and Marie Wilbanks and husband Kenneth. He is also survived by his six grandchildren: Chelsea Hawes and husband Daniel; Taylor Kinney and wife Angel; Laiken Williams and husband Landon; Olivia Hooks and husband Christopher; Logan Wilbanks and wife Caroline; and Sam Kinney and wife Aunah. John’s legacy continues through his nine great-grandchildren: Reese, Aiden, Amelia, Henry, Sara, Baker, Julianna, Otto, and Shepherd. John will be remembered for his faith, devotion to his family, love of his community, and the countless memories he created with the people he loved most. His family will deeply miss his presence, his stories, his humor, and the familiar traditions that made him Papaw. The love and lessons he gave them will continue through generations. Visitation will be 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Shaffer Funeral Home, 2315 W. Commercial Street in Ozark. Funeral service will be 10:00 A.M., Friday, September 11, 2026 at Shaffer Funeral Home in Ozark, with Brother Mike Pennington officiating, with burial at Highland Cemetery, 1603 W. Main Street in Ozark, under the direction of Shaffer Funeral Home. Serving as pallbearers will be Daniel Hawes, Taylor Kinney, Landon Williams, Christopher Hooks, Logan Wilbanks, and Sam Kinney. To leave an online memorial visit www.shafferfuneralhomeweb.com

John Stephen Baker

January 10, 1941 - September 8, 2026