Bret Baker

(From Nichols-Stephens Funeral Home)

Bret B Baker, age 73, of Grove, OK, lost his battle with COPD on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at his home.

On June 13, 1950, Bret was born, the oldest of four sons, to Robert and Norma (Saunders) Baker in Joplin, MO. He grew up and graduated from high school in Webb City, MO, Valedictorian, Class of 1968. 

Following graduation, Bret attended college and graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia, 1974.

On August 31, 1986, Bret married Marsha Cole at the family lake house in Grove. The marriage included the opportunity for Bret to experience the joys and challenges of parenting Marsha’s teenage daughter, Amy, and eventually becoming a grandfather and great-grandfather. Bret took great pride in watching them grow up and contributing in so many ways in each of their lives.

After college, Bret spent 10 years as a CPA with a national firm in Kansas City and two years with a local CPA firm in Memphis. He then became a CFO, first for a publicly traded banking software company and then for a family-owned manufacturing company.

In 1993 Bret began a career as an ad hoc financial officer working with a variety of small and medium size businesses. He helped owners and their management teams develop effective strategies, evaluate business alternatives, and improve cash flow and profitability. Bret felt most successful helping people develop and hone their management skills. He was a trusted business advisor and mentor for many.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bret and Marsha traveled at every opportunity. They were not just sightseers, they traveled to engage with people and experience different cultures. Bret was known for his love of fine wines – the history, the process, the taste, but most of all the people he met as he explored and shared wines in both Europe and the U.S.

Bret was a voracious reader, always seeking to expand his knowledge and understanding of the world. He met weekly with a study group to learn and engage in intellectual discussions. He was truly a critical thinker who was willing to challenge his own beliefs and was open-minded to the ideas and beliefs of others. His wisdom and intellectual curiosity were truly inspiring, leaving an impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Bret Baker will be remembered as a compassionate friend, a dedicated mentor, and a true connoisseur of life. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us, reminding us to embrace knowledge, seek adventure, and cherish the friendships that enrich our lives. He will be dearly missed, but his spirit will forever live on in our hearts.

Bret is preceded in death by his parents.

Left to cherish his memory, wife, Marsha Cole; daughter, Amy Gifford; Grandson, Jake Gifford, his wife Alyssa, their two children Madisson and Cole; Grandson Zack Gifford and his partner Monika Doktor; brother Bruce Baker and his wife Becky; brother Brad Baker and his wife Linda Ann; brother Kurt Baker and his wife Connie; and many cherished nieces and nephews and their families.

A memorial service for Bret will be at 4pm Friday, January 19, 2024, at Nichols- Stephens Funeral Chapel followed by a Toast to His Memory until 6pm.

Donations in Bret's memory may be made to: Community Crisis Center of NE Oklahoma, Wild Heart Ranch Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, Oklahoma Educational Television Authority, KOSU Public Radio, or other favorite charity of your choice.