Clifford Baker

Clifford Bod Baker, 78, died peacefully on September 18, 2014, after a lengthy illness. Celebration of life services will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Monday, September 22, 2014 at Hillside Christian Church Chapel, 6100 Soncy Road in Amarillo with Mike Nuthman and Jim Wilhite officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:00 Sunday, September 21, 2014 at Brooks Chapel in Canyon. Private Burial will be in Dreamland Cemetery. Clifford was born April 8, 1936 in Shattuck, Oklahoma to Samuel Bryan and Della Mae Kerns Baker. He graduated Darrouzett, Texas, High School in 1954. He was one of the first students to receive financial help from Milton "Buff" Morris, which enabled him to obtain his secondary education. He graduated West Texas State College in 1959, with a Bachelor of Science degree and in 1964, with a master's degree in education. Clifford began his professional career as a teacher in the Midland Independent School District. He returned to his alma mater in 1966, as associate director of financial aid and was named director in 1970, a position he held until 1985. During his years as director, the Department of Education utilized Clifford's skills as a trainer for other administrators in Texas. He had developed a model operation at WTSU. In 1979, Clifford saw first-hand how students were being affected when they did not have access to lenders to fund their student loans. He and Milton Morris, and a dedicated group of bankers and educators took action. Under their leadership the Panhandle-Plains Higher Education Authority was formed. Their primary mission was to serve students. In 2002, he was recognized by the Texas Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, for which he was a founding member, with induction into the TASFAA Hall of Fame. Clifford was a loyal supporter of West Texas A & M University and was a lifetime member of the WT Alumni Association's Phoenix Society. He was honored in 2002 as a WTAMU Distinguished Alumnus. He helped found the WTAMU Mom and Dad's Association and was involved in the Buffalo Club as a member and officer. He was a member of The Fast Break Club for WT basketball. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and was instrumental helping local chapters on WT campus obtain national fraternity status. Being an advocate for the university and the city of Canyon, he served as a volunteer or board member for many college, civic, and professional businesses. Clifford's wit and humor were evident as well as his ability to lead. Clifford married Linda Kay Murray in 1964 in Midland, Texas. They have three daughters. He was a member of Hillside Christian Church in Amarillo. Clifford enjoyed farming and having a cow/calf operation; it provided him with a hobby he loved. Most important to him was spending time with his family. He loved his daughters and "grands" and was eager to make a vacation place in the northern New Mexico mountains for relaxation and recreation. He lived a full and gracious life and was a true servant to the Lord by his devotion to his family and his willingness to help others, particularly college students. Clifford is preceded in death by his mother and father, one brother, Clyde Maurice Baker, one sister, LaMoyne Baker Brock, a sister-in-law, Marilyn Carruth Baker, two nephews, and one niece. The family wishes to thank the staff at Childer's Place for their love, dedication, and steadfast care. Hospice of the Southwest provided additional care and loving support for Clifford and his family. He is survived by his wife, Linda Kay; daughter Emily and husband Jerry Bullard, and children Andrew, Elizabeth, and Cole of Colleyville, Texas; Melissa and husband Cliff Bryant, and children Kaylee, Sarah, and Preston of Katy, Texas; Jennifer and husband Ken Flatt, and children Jackson and Jacob Stewart, of Amarillo. He is also survived by a brother Calvin Baker of Littleton, Colorado; sister-in-law Margaret Baker of Canyon; brother-in-law Bill Murray and wife Mary of Katy, Texas; brother-in-law Jim Murray and wife Donna of Wichita Falls, Texas; numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. One of Clifford's goals was to help others attend and graduate college. If you wish to make a donation and, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to: Clifford Boyd and Linda Kay Baker Scholarship, WTAMU Scholarship Services, WTAMU Box 60765, Canyon, Texas 79016 or Linda Kay and Clifford Baker Fund, Opportunity Plan, PO Box 1035, Canyon, Texas 79015.