Randolph Michael Baker

Dr. Randolph Michael Baker “Randy” was welcomed into Heaven on April 26, 2023, surrounded by his wife and children. His recent battle with brain cancer showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile, a sense of humor, and no complaints.

Randy was born on November 12, 1950, in Oklahoma City to Dale Gear (Jack) and Dorothy Pezzetti Baker. He graduated from U.S. Grant High School in 1968 at the top of his class. Randy then attended the University of Oklahoma where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972. After many years of teaching high school English at Putnam City North High School, Randy, simultaneously went back to school to earn a Master’s in Education in Administration degree from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2004 and then a Doctorate in Philosophy in Instructional Leadership and Curriculum in English Education degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2006. Randy received many prestigious awards throughout his career, but the ones he was most proud of was when he was named the 2010 Oklahoma Foundation Medal of Excellence for Secondary Teaching, the Putnam City district teacher of the year award in 2010, and the Longtime Achievement of Excellence Award from OKCTE in 2013. Randy was also named Oklahoma Girls All-State Coach in 1983.

Randy was a constant learner and loved to be in the classroom with his students. He was also a girls’ basketball and softball coach at Putnam City North High for many years and loved the camaraderie with his players and coaches. After retiring from PC North in 2013, Randy was offered an English teaching position at Crossings Christian School where he taught for 8 more years. The impact he had on so many students he taught and the lives he touched is immeasurable. He was simply a legend in his profession for so many reasons including dressing in costume for holidays and individual instruction.

Randy was a devout husband, father, brother, and friend. He will be remembered for his loyalty, kind spirit, quick wit, sense of humor, passion for teaching and love for his family. Randy loved the Lord and attended St. Eugene Catholic Church. He studied the Bible daily and was frequently attending online Bible classes as often as he could.

More than anything, Randy loved traveling and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 16 years, Rose Mary “Rose” Martinez Baker; his son Bart Baker and his grandsons Ben and Will of Edmond, his daughter Sarah Johnson and her husband Jeremy Johnson of Edmond. He is also survived by his siblings John Jay, Jeffrey, Shelley and Gigi. Randy was preceded in death by his mother, father, and brother Tony Baker.

The Rosary will be held at Sunny Lane Funeral Home at 4000 SE 29th Street, Del City, OK 73115 on May 1, 2023, at 7 P.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Eugene Catholic Church at 2400 West Hefner, OKC, OK 73120 on May 2, 2023, at 10 A.M.

Interment will follow at Sunny Lane Cemetery at 4000 SE 29th Street, Del City, OK 73115

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Eugene Catholic School Scholarship Fund. A student scholarship will be created in Randy’s name.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunnylanefuneralhome.com for the Baker family.