When we think of the word “legacy,” Larry Baker comes to mind—a man who embodied hard work, dedication, and the true meaning of family. Born on February 5, 1940, in the small town of Wheeler, Texas, Larry’s journey was one of humility and perseverance. Graduating from high school in Reydon, Oklahoma, in 1958, he stepped into the world of plumbing under the guidance of his uncle in Oklahoma City. It was here, in those early days, that he learned the value of honest work, contributing to projects like plumbing the Oklahoma City Zoo—a testament to his skill and diligence.

Larry was a man who knew the importance of community, of giving back. His life took him across the vast Texas Panhandle, from Plainview to Pampa, and even a brief stop in Liberal, Kansas. Wherever he went, Larry left a mark—not just in the pipes he laid or the homes he warmed, but in the lives he touched. In Plainview, he participated in the Pony Express event, a story he loved to tell. He’d laugh and say that as a young husband and father, he couldn’t afford to miss 10 minutes of work. But those moments, that dash of adventure, became cherished memories, bringing a twinkle to his eye whenever he recounted them.

In 1979, Larry made his way to Pampa, Texas, where he would plant roots that would grow deep. Starting out with Malcolm Hinkle, Larry learned the ropes of the local trade, always keeping an eye on the horizon. And then, in 1988, he took a leap of faith—a leap that would define his legacy. Larry Baker Plumbing was born, a small business built on the foundations of trust, hard work, and a promise to serve the community. Over the years, Larry’s name became synonymous with quality and reliability. He wasn’t just a plumber; he was a friend, a neighbor, a man you could count on.

But above all, Larry was a family man. In 1960, he married his beloved Deanna, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. For 62 years, they stood side by side, raising three daughters—Kim, Kelli, and Kayla—who grew up knowing their father as a man of integrity and unwavering commitment. As the years passed, Larry’s joy only deepened with the arrival of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a proud grandfather to five, and when he spoke of them, his face would light up with pride. Three great-grandchildren followed, with a fourth on the way, each one a new chapter in the story of a family that meant everything to him.

Larry’s life was a testament to the power of perseverance, the strength of family, and the importance of community. He was a man who didn’t just live in Pampa—he was a part of its very fabric. And as we remember Larry Baker, we remember not just the man who fixed our pipes or warmed our homes, but the man who showed us what it means to live a life of purpose, a life rooted in love.

In every story he told, every laugh he shared, every job he completed with care, Larry Baker left a legacy. And that legacy lives on in the family he adored, the community he served, and the countless lives he touched along the way. We are all better for having known him, and his memory will forever warm our hearts.