Devil Rangers Sir,
 From the jungles of Vietnam to the sands of the desert Skip Baker was a great commander who earned the respect and admiration of all the Nco's in the batallion. It was a honor and pleasure to had being under comnand. This is not a goodbye but a temporary break of contact because up in heaven when we re-group once again you will be our Task Force Commander. God speed Sir..!!!

I was COL Baker's Echo Company Commander is Desert Strom and he was my Bn Cdr for 18 months. I'm sorry I never told him how much I respected him and what a good man he was. He had a great sense of humor and great perspective. Just seeing his picture brings back so many good memories. 

Jerry Niland

Skip Baker was a wonderful uncle to my siblings and me. I always admired his strong commitment to his family and his country. I think about him often and the fond memories I have of him and his family.

Sir,  
Thanks for being a great Battalion Commander, mentor and friend.  Rest in peace.

Devil Rangers!
"Wolfpack"!!!

Col. Baker made sure we were part of the Team after being attached to the Devil Rangers during Desert Storm from 2/34 Armor, He cared for us and made sure we knew it. What a tremendous leader and Man. God has a special place for him in Heaven, I am sure.

Devil Ranger, Sir. Thank you.  It was an honor to serve under your command in a time of war.

It was my pleasure to serve as Skip Baker's executive officer in the Big Red One; 5-16 Infantry and with America's Team during Desert Storm.  The Devil Rangers and the Devil Brigade salute you Sir.  LTC (Ret) Wynn Butler

We have lost a great Soldier, a real friend, and a comrade in arms. I could not have asked for a better fellow battalion commander with whom to go into combat. Skip, we will truly miss you.  
Pat and Margie Ritter

I served with Skip in Korea. He lived the code of Duty, Honor, Country, Family. His courage, intellect, and integrity served our country and his soldiers. I am proud that he was my friend and remains a standard of the type of man I strive to be. God Bless you Skip.

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress,"  Psalm 91.  Sir, thank you for the wonderful insights to what it means to be a leader of men,  RANGERS!  "Semper Paratus" -  MAJ Underwood, Afghanistan

I first met Skip at Odessa College.  He had a smile as big as Texas and a heart that big too.  Several of us spent many hours in deep discussions and thoughts that young men always have, solving the problems of the world.  I think that we were just wondering about the reality that was going on outside of the wall of academia and how we were going to make things better.  Even then you could tell that Skip was a natural leader, a total gentleman, and a young man that would make his mark in a troubled world.
Years passed and we all got on to the business of life.  We met again at my wife's OHS class reunion, sometime after Desert Storm.  Of course, I had a million questions for him but the most he said was in praise of the men and women that served in his command.  I never met a military leader that did that, but I realized I was talking to Skip.  Soon many of his classmates began to crowd around and I attempted to fade away and let them visit.  That was the last time we talked.
I got the news last week and have been thinking of what to say about Skip, and it always comes down to the same thing.  I don't say this often, but Skip was the finest man I have ever met.
I can't say goodbye to Skip.  But I can say for sure that we will meet again.  We have a conversation to finish.

The nation has lost a great warrior.  Skip, I will never forget the guidance and leadership you shared with all of us.  God Bless you; see you on the high ground.

Skip, a soldiers soldier if ever I met one.  Everyone needs an inspiration and you must have inspired so many.  I have many great memories of our time at the USAF Academy both professional and personal.  I always admired your professionalism and more so your close friendship. 
Rest in Peace Skip you have done more than your bit.

Rest in peace Skip. It was a pleasure and honour to have known you. From the time we met at the Academy and then later when you visited the family in Yorkshire, I will always remember your radiant smile and your generosity of spirit. You had that rare ability to make people feel good about themselves and you will be sorely missed.

Skip, You were a great boss and mentor.  It was a great honor to serve with you.  Save me a seat in Fiddler's Green.  I'll see you there.

Skip, you were a friend of my father's from days at the Academy but also one of the most memorable people I met during those years. Great to meet again later when you visited Yorkshire and it was my turn to tell tales of operations in foreign lands. Per Ardua ad Astra - may you rest easy amongst them.
Kathy and family - mine and Kathryn's sincerest condolences.
Yours aye,

It was an honor and a privilege to have worked with Skip at III Corps 2006-2009. In different leadership positions in the G3 section, I sought out Skip's wise counsel daily and never left wanting.  The epitome of selfless service, Skip was a good and honorable man, a gentleman, a Soldier's Soldier, and a professional leader and mentor who will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, Friend.

Skip, you were a true friend in high school, it is sad that we do not relize this until years latter. Thank you and will see you at lifes final reunion.

My condolences to Skip's family and friends and buddies. Skip was a fun guy to know and go to class with in high school. Great sense of humor and was always encouraging and positive.

Skip, you are a True Soldier, Patriot and a dear friend.  I am grateful that my son, Rick, served with you in Desert Storm.  God Speed, Mate!  I look forward to seeing you again on Fiddler's Green.
Dick Orth (Blackhorse Engineer, 1962- 1964)

"The Might Safwan" will live forever in our hearts as he was a true warrior, gentleman and friend. I had the honor serve as one his Tank Company Commanders (A/2-34 Armor) during Desert Shield/Storm. I have his LTC Oak Leaves as he sent them to me for my promotion and I wore them with great pride until I pinned on eagles. You will be missed never forgotten.

"Adul" aka "Dreadnerd"

Kathy, Mike and I send our thoughts, our prayers and our sympathy to you and Skip's family.

God bless,   Mike and B.J. Scully

I attended Odessa High School with Skip. He was always a wonderful classmate. I last visited with Skip at our OHS class reunion.  It was a joy to visit with Skip.  My deepest sympathy to Skip's family. I know you loved him and will miss him, but you will see Skip again in Heaven. God Bless, Georgia Pat Jones Park (OHS 1963)

Skip Baker was a great Officer, a gentleman and a good friend to me, and he was an outstanding Honorary Colonel of the 16th Infantry Regiment.  He has been greatly missed during the last year and will continue to be greatly missed as years go by.  

Your Dad was loved by many and respected by all.  His contributions to his country and to the Army are innumerable.  His presence made this a better world.

HE WILL CONTINUE TO LIVE IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS.

Skip, Thanks for being a fine gentlemen, officer, and friend. You added integrity and courage to the ranks of the 16th Infantry Regiment. We owe you a sincere debt of thanks, we will miss you. May God Bless You.

Col. Baker was a good soldier -- and a good man. He gets my salute.

Harry Levins
St. Louis Post-Dispatch (ret.)

Skip Baker was a great man, a superb military officer, and as the Honorary Colonel of the 16th Infantry a super supporter of soldiers and their families.

Skip shall be missed!

Ron Watts, Lieutenant General, US Army Retired

Defiant 6:
You served us well and your memory will remain with us to be passed on to future generations.  Our condolences to the Baker family.  Semper Paratus! Duty First!
Nicolas J Lovelace, COL, USA 
5-16 INF Dec 89- Jun 93

I am a friend of Col. Bakers daughter, Christy, and her family. It was such a beautiful service for such an awesome person. Christy, you know we are here for you when you need us. Hang on to James and your kiddos during this time and all the rough ones ahead. We love you guys.

Daddy,
You were my hero. You were my protector. You were my teacher, my inspiration, and the rock upon which I could always lean. You were my first love. You were my friend. To dance upon your shoes was an honor, to ride upon your shoulders an adventure. You hung the moon with bedtime stories, and raised the sun with cinnamon toast. Do not fret about Mother; she's in good hands. I love you all the way past Pluto, Daddy. And I shall know you're there upon each pink cloud watching me. You won't need a pair of "bee-yoo-tiful" socks anymore; I hear the streets of gold are warm. I love you, Daddy!

Fond memories of a great Warrior and true Patriot, and of our service together with the Big Red One as fellow battalion commanders with America's Team. Duty First Skipper!

Although we hadn't kept in touch over the years since Odessa High and Odessa College, I feel honored to have been able to pay my last respects at today's memorial service for Skip. My deepest sympathy is extended to all his family and my prayers are that your memories will sustain you through the days ahead.

I met Colonel Baker while I was in the Army serving at Fort Hood in 1990. He was the SPO of 13 COSCOM then. I will never forget how nice he was to me, always with a big smile on his face. He had a big heart and made funny faces which always made me laugh.  Skip lit up when he spoke of his family whom he loved so much. We certainly will miss him.
                              
                                                                                Sally Jamison

A great leader that everyone love to served under and make us proud of our daily doings. We all are honor to have served a leader of his caliber. 

                                                                          Pedro E. Diaz (USAOTC)

Skip and I served in Vietnam together. He was a Captain, I was a Lieutenant. I vividly remember his wise, friendly mentoring as though it were yesterday and have always cherished his friendship through the years eventhough we did not see much of each other.  Skip was a soldier's soldier, a great American and a great Patriot.  It was an honor to have known him.  My sincerest condolences to his family.

A fine man, leader, warrior and gentleman whom I will greatly miss; may he rest in peace.

LTC Baker, I remember being on gaurd duty one cold freezing night at our battalion motor pool and you came in, you didn't seem concerned about the area but asked how I was doing. I knew then ,you were a great leader and it was an honor serving with you sir. DEVIL RANGERS SIR!!!!

Skip, our time together was too short but I enjoyed every minute.  It was my pleasure to have called you “My Boss and Friend”. Rest in Peace and God Bless.

With respects to my batalion commander, thank you for your leadership. May you now recive a soldiers rewards and rest in peace-
SFC (R) Walding
Dco 5/16 INF

Sorry to hear of Col. Baker's death. Remember being a part of his "team" at Fort Riley through Desert Storm and extend sincere condolences to his wife and family. May peace and comfort be with you. Devil Rangers, Sir, Hoooah.
Donna & Ted Baer

Skip,
You gave what ever it took to make the Phantom Soldiers life more endurable.
On their behalf I thank you and salute a true gentleman and Officer. 
RIP  SIR

Skipper, Darla and Nancy and I shared some family experiences where we were an encouragement to each other as teenagers. Our parents had a common bond and we became friends because of that. He was a wonderful young man and I am so happy he grew to be a wonderful grown man. I am very sad to hear that he was called home so soon. I am sorry for the family's loss. Bless you. Sharon Noll White

Hand salute Skip. A true gentleman who epitomized Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, integrity and Personal Courage. God Bless. See you on the high ground.

A great warrior has gone home to his maker.  This nation is indebted to you for your sacrifices.  May you rest in peace Skip.

Skip, dad, sure going to miss you. You gave me the best advice when I was a kid and I have lived well by it. Thanks for being a part of my life. I will also continue to drive like every one is out to get me! Love you!

OBITUARY

Sidney "Skip" Baker Jr.

April 5, 1945 – August 2, 2012

Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home

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