No doubt as the thought of their brother approaching the pearly gates, Loretta Griffin and Wynona Vick reflect upon their childhood. When they along with their departed brother and sister, Kermit and Joyce would sit on the front porch in the cool evening and playfully interact with each other. Possibly they may recall when they would approach their grandmother with a cake recipe they found in the paper and would read it to her twice and come back when it was finished to see a picture perfect replica of the image seen in the paper. Given that Willie Sr. was the oldest, his siblings may fondly think of him going to work at a young age to support the family.

Helen, the wife of Willie Baker Sr, rejoices in the knowledge that her husband now rests in the bosom of the Lord and gives thanks for allowing her to enjoy the greatest love story in Guthrie (it is our hope that others believe they have such a love). Her remembrance goes to all the times he supported her in the education of their offspring. 72 years of marriage during which time he graciously built the framework to ensure their success. This was done by consistently meeting all challenges head on thus creating an environment that was stable for all involved.

Well done thy good and faithful servant. As Daddy is being caressed in the embrace of the Lord, is the thought going through the mind of his children. While Mother was the educator of the family, Willie Sr.'s influence was felt through a unique style of challenges. When learning to clean house, the command bend your pretty little back to get that spot you miss comes to mind for Linda and Vicki. When doing chores such as cutting grass his young sons Willie and Daryl would turn their tricycles upside down and follow him. When shopping excursions would take place one of the kids would go and as each item was selected he would show is child the price and say got it? Once 5 to 15 items where ready for purchase and before the final tally was completed, he would turn and ask how much was spent including tax, what a way to teach!

Willie Sr. now listens to the cherub choir sing songs of praise while his grandchildren and great grandchildren remember him as granddad. No softer touch was ever created. from providing band aids for false finger cuts to cooking one of his famous breakfast no happier youngsters existed often much to the chagrin of his offspring. He would simply tell the parents raising this generation was no his jobs. In closing I can still hear him say, "If you want to know..."