"Gene" Baker

   Gene Baker, age 71, of Monahans, TX, passed away on October 13, 2023, at his home. Gene was born in Eunice, NM to Robert (Bob) and Ina Mae (Sammie) Baker on March 14, 1952.

   He attended school in Kermit, Barstow, and Pecos TX. He graduated from the first class of Odessa College’s Law Enforcement Academy in 1983.

   Gene and Cheryl Jenkins were married on October 25, 1974, in Odessa, Tx by her Uncle Bill Hedrick.

   Gene worked for many years in the oilfield and pipeline industries, retiring from Magellan Midstream Partners, LP in 2019. He also worked for Winkler County Sheriff’s Department under Bill Sage from 1983 to 1986 as a patrol deputy. From 1989 to 1998, Gene worked for Ward County Sheriff’s Department under Ben Keele and Mikel Strickland as a deputy. He received his Master Peace Officers while with Ward County. He was a past Officer and current Director of the Big Bend Peace Officer’s Association and a past member of the Sheriff’s Association of Texas.

   He is preceded in death by his parents Bob and Sammie Baker.

   Gene is survived by his wife of 49 years Cheryl, son Cody Baker, son Calvin Baker and wife Ashley, daughter Geanna Coker and husband Ethan. His sisters Ronnie Sue Clearman of Carlton Tx and Bonnie Sims of Liberty Hill TX. Grandchildren Lane Lammert-Baker, Brinley Baker, Bristol Baker, Bryden Baker, Caysen Coker, and Cash Coker. Also, many loving nieces and nephews.

   The Pall Bearers are Bill Clayton, Leroy Rivera, Manuel Valenzuela, Troy Ratliff, Raymond Dodd, and Tommy Moore. Honorary Pall Bearers are Ben Deisler and Mikel Strickland.

   Visitation will be Wednesday, October 18, 2023, from 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm at Harkey Funeral Home.

   Services will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Ward County Coliseum under the direction of Bill Campbell, pastor of the Zephyr Baptist Church.  Graveside services will follow at the Kermit City Cemetery, Kermit, TX

   In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gene’s name to the Sheriff’s Association of Texas or a charity of your choice.