Memorials

• Citation: Vol. 38 No. 2 Pg. 56
• Publication year: 2015
• Pages: 56
• Year: 2015

Memorials Vol. 38 No. 2 Pg. 56 Wyoming Bar Journal April, 2015

B.J. Baker, J.

Bob was born in his grandfather's house in Wagoner, Oklahoma, on December 4, 1932. His parents were James O. and Priscilla Baker. Bob's great grandfather, James Madison Baker, was one of the first non-Indians to live in Indian Territory in what is now Oklahoma. The Bakers for many generations were hunters and trappers who lived on the frontier. Another of Bob's great grandfathers, Francis Gulp, was a soldier who served with the 11th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry at Platte Bridge Station, now Fort Caspar. Francis's brother, Adam Culp, was killed by Indians and is buried somewhere near Casper.

Bob's father was a trapper who trapped in Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming. He would move from state to state with the seasons. Bob was primarily raised in Sublette County, Wyoming, but many of his younger days were spent in a small tent beside a river or stream, somewhere in the west. Bob's great uncle. Buck Baker, bought a ranch west of Daniel, Wyoming, and Bob and his parents lived on the ranch. Bob learned to be a ranch hand, cowboy, lumberjack and trapper.

Bob rode a school bus three hours each day to attend school in Pinedale, Wyoming. He graduated in 1950 and attended the University of Wyoming that fall. Bob majored in History and participated in the Army R.O.T.C. program. In 1954 he received a B.A. degree and a commission as a second lieutenant in the Army.

Bob went on active duty in the Army and spent about 16 months in Korea. He was an Infantry Platoon leader. Company Executive Officer and Battalion Communication Officer. After returning from Korea as a 1st lieutenant, he elected to leave...