Vernon Dale Baker Jr.'s Obituary
Vernon Dale Baker Jr, 67 of Grove, OK (formerly of Portia/Oklahoma City) passed away Thursday, January 9, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family and friends.
Born October 9, 1952 in Walnut Ridge, AR, Vernon was the only child of Vernon Dale Baker Sr. (Bud) and Berniece (Medlock) Baker.
Vernon graduated from Blackrock High School in 1970 and went on to receive a bachelor’s in bible degree from Harding University in 1975.
Vernon came to Oklahoma in 1977 when he joined the Oklahoma City Police Department. He retired in 2007 after 30 years of service at the rank of Sergeant. He was a member of the Church of Christ and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #123 in Oklahoma City where he served as Chaplain and created the CHAPPS program. He also served on the Oklahoma State Fraternal Order of Police board as Chaplain and later as Secretary as well as serving on the National Fraternal Order of Police board as Chaplain.
In 2002, Vernon married Lora VanLandingham in Tulsa, OK where they made their home until moving to Grove in 2010.
Vernon is survived by his wife, Lora of Grove, daughter Allyson Abdo and husband Neil Thomas of Oologah, mother, Berniece Baker of Portia, AR, mother and father in law, Jean and Louis VanLandingham of Tulsa, brother in law, Loren VanLandingham and wife Jennifer of Owasso, niece Peyton Cooper and husband Davis of Bixby, nephew Parker VanLandingham of Owasso, as well as many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Vernon Dale Baker Sr, grandparents Harmon and Pansy Medlock and Columbus and Rose Baker.
A memorial service will be held January 18, 2020 at 1130 AM at the Grove Church of Christ, 1001 S. Grand, Grove, OK with Danny Lynchard officiating. Honorary pallbearers are the Oklahoma City and Tulsa Police Honor Guards.
What’s your fondest memory of Vernon?
What’s a lesson you learned from Vernon?
Share a story where Vernon's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Vernon you’ll never forget.
How did Vernon make you smile?