By Cara Cowan Watts | Cherokee 411
Nov 18, 1945 – Sep 29, 2026
Tulsa, OK
Cherokee Nation Citizen
Darwin Lee Baker, known to nearly everyone simply as “Bo,” passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026, at 8:20 a.m. He was 80 years old.
Even during his final days, Bo’s sense of humor remained. He enjoyed telling his nurses to call him “Darlin’”—just one small example of the personality his family and friends knew so well.
Bo was born on November 18, 1945, and was raised in the Dawson area of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He attended Rogers High School before leaving during his junior year to begin working alongside his father in the family dirt-work business, Joe C. Baker. During those years, Bo worked on several major projects, including the Verdigris River, Kaw Dam, and Highway 244.
On November 22, 1963, Bo married the love of his life, Phyllis Jean Baker. The two shared nearly 63 years of marriage, and Bo proudly loved to tell people that he had proposed to Phyllis all the way back in the sixth grade.
After working with his father, Bo went on to work alongside his father-in-law as a sanitation engineer. In 1970, he purchased his own sanitation business, which he continued operating for more than five decades. He officially retired on November 1, 2025, while battling stomach cancer. Those who knew Bo knew that retirement probably would not have happened otherwise. He was hardworking, determined, and hardheaded in the best—and sometimes most stubborn—way. Had illness not forced him to slow down, his family is certain he would still be out there running his business today.
Away from work, Bo loved camping and fishing, especially when he could be out on the boat with Phyllis, family, and friends. He was a devoted supporter of his children and grandchildren throughout their lives. He cheered on his daughter, Rhonda, and son, Doug, in their sports and activities and enjoyed watching and supporting his son, Mike, and grandson, Jay, when they were involved in roping. As his grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, Bo continued showing up for as many games, activities, and special moments as he could.
Bo also had a very special place in his heart for his beloved dachshund, Precious. She was his chubby little companion, and she already misses him dearly.
