Thomas Baker

TW Cotton Baker, age 94, peacefully passed away at home in Roswell on April 20, 2014. TW was born in Prescott, Arkansas, on November 5, 1919 to William T. and Georgia Baker. As a very young boy he moved to Hagerman, New Mexico, and resided in South East New Mexico until his death. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 TW joined the US Navy. He served in merchant marine convoys and then was transferred to the crew raising the USS West Virginia which was sunk in Pearl Harbor. Every day he was ferried out to the sunken USS Arizona, which the ferry used as a makeshift dock. He went to gunnery school and became a Gunners Mate 3rd class. While in Bremerton he met his wife of 60 years. December 24, 1943 in Port Orchard, WA, TW Married the love of his life, Dorothy Rogers Baker, who passed away in 2004.

Baker served on the USS West Virginia throughout the Pacific Campaign. In October 1944 he sailed across the equator and was properly received by the crew in a solemn ceremony. TW was proudly standing on the deck of the West Virginia in Tokyo Harbor on September 2, 1945 when the Japanese formally surrendered. He served throughout the Pacific campaign and never set foot on Japanese soil. TW Baker was Honorably Discharged on October 28, 1945.

TW drove a truck nationwide delivering cattle, aviation fuel and many other items. He retired from driving a truck in 1979 and spent his retirement fishing and helping out his friend Everett Rochelle at Everetts Refrigeration. He was an avid reader who read everything but he especially loved Western books. TW was a family man and devoted his time and attention to his family above all else. He never met a stranger and would give the shirt off his back. He loved dogs and to feed wild birds. He was a devout husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and greatgreat grandfather. TW was a devout 7th Day Adventist. His faith diligently guided him throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Georgia Baker, his wife Dorothy Rogers Baker, his daughter Linda Pechsteddt, and all of his siblings: Loraine Scantlin, Lillian Sartin, Carl Hawkins and Roy Baker. TW is survived by his daughters Sharon HIllard , Stacie Sexe granddaughter and husband Jim, Shonna Herring granddaughter and husband Robert all of Roswell and a SonInLaw Clyde Pechsteddt of Phoenix, AZ. He is also survived by grandchildren Penny Polak and husband Joe of Roswell, Linda Kay Dollar of Ruidoso, Lloyd Dollar and wife Kerry of Roswell, Barbie Lindsey and husband Brandy of Phoenix, AZ, Shari Johnson and husband Jim of Claremore, OK, and Sharla Lindsey and husband Tannon of Roswell. He had numerous great grandchildren and greatgreatgrandchildren.

Pallbearers: Tommy Dollar, Rusty Brisco, Michael Brisco, Lloyd Dollar, Garrett Dollarand Brandy Lindsey. Honorary Pall Bearers: Jim Sexe, Robert Herring, Jim Johnson, Tannon Lindsey, Everett Rochelle, Clyde Pechsteddt, and Tristan Herring

The family would like to thank all of the people who helped care for TW. You are all amazing and we will never forget you. A special thanks to Jennifer for going above and beyond the call and endearing herself to the family.

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
8:00 am to 7:00 pma

Service

Funeral Service

Ballard Funeral Chapel
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Thursday, April 24, 2014
10:00 am

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203