Ernie was born on July 25, 1957 to John Carbin Baker and Bernice (Columbus) Baker in Talihina, Oklahoma. He left this earth to be with his Lord and Savior on August 28, 2024 surrounded by his family.

In his early years, he attended Jones Academy and Sequoyah Boarding School. During that time is when he got into boxing and even won the Golden Gloves in the lightweight division in St. Louis and he was proud of it. He married Gay Dawn (Billy) Baker on March 20, 1982 and they were blessed with 43 years of marriage. Currently, he was serving as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church. He became a Deacon in 1989 and faithfully served that position until the Lord called him to be an Ordained Minister in 1991. He worked in different areas throughout his life. He served many people during his 20 years working for the Choctaw Nation Food Distribution Program in Antlers. But the job he loved the most was being a Choctaw Nation Wildland Firefighter. He loved it and got to travel to many places because of it. He always enjoyed talking about those firefighting days and of course how he met "Little Richard". If you haven't heard that story, ask his kids I'm sure they will love to you tell you all about it!

In the later days as the grandchildren came along, they are the ones that kept him going. From soccer and wrestling to softball and basketball or dance recitals, Papa was always there. He always enjoyed traveling to John's band competitions and loved watching him perform at football games. They kept him busy by their constant activities and he sure loved it. He enjoyed fishing, camping, road trips, watching wrestling on Monday nights and always making sure we took vacations every year. He always said as long as I have my kids and grandkids around, "I'm Happy!"

He is survived by his spouse: Gay Baker of the home; children: Michael Justin Baker of Sapulpa, Ok, Katrina Lynne Walker of Calera, Kathia Jean Spring and husband Ryan of Calera, Daniel Dee Baker of Antlers, John David Baker of the home; grandchildren: Amiya Dawn and Kinsley Brooke (Pooh Bear) Walker of Calera, Tyler Lane Baker of Blue, Evan Shikoba Homma and Nova Raelee Baker of Antlers; two special nieces, Taya and Takara Ward of Idabel.

Brothers and Sisters: Arnold Baker of Wilburton, Susie Rose of Broken Bow, Laura Gibson of Idabel, Paula Baker of Broken Bow, Lorena Juanico of Idabel and several nieces and nephews; and special Aunts and Uncle: Aunt Clara, Aunt Bert, and Uncle Abe.

Preceded in death by: Parents John Baker and Bernice Colbert, infant daughter Natasha, Grandma Rhoda Jones, Brother David Baker, In-laws Darrow and Jean Billy.

"(For we walk by faith, not by sight) we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5: 7-8

A family night will be held on Monday, September 2, 2024 from 6-8PM at Serenity Funeral Service of Antlers. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 10AM at the First United Methodist Church in Antlers with Bro. Mond Davis and Bro. Stanley Shomo Sr. officiating. Pallbearers are: Robert Baker, Tim Baker, Matthew Billy, B.J. Nichols, Robert Taylor, Jr., and Tim Taylor. Honorary pallbearers include: Jeremy Willis, Richard Sorrells, Jo Belk, Jonah Billy, David Barnett, Amanda Rinehart, and Jay Greenwood.

Services are under the direction of Serenity Funeral Service.