Osborne Ott Baker went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, February 5, 2021 at Hidden Springs Senior Living in Bentonville, Virginia. Just 10 days after holding his wife’s hand while she left her earthly home, Shirley reached down and took Ott’s hand to join her in their heavenly home.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 11:00 am at the Flint Hill Cemetery with Dr. Wayne Woodard of Bentonville Baptist Church officiating. Pallbearers will be: Joe Hall, Chris Manuel, Brady Manuel, Rex Andrews, Ray Andrews, Ricky Baker, Tommy Tharpe, Leon Jenkins, Mike Welch and Honorary Pallbearer Ashby Crowder.
Ott was born at home in Browntown, Virginia on December 30, 1933, the son of the late Clarence Baker and Mozel Henry Baker. Ott attended Warren County Schools, graduating in 1953.
Ott married the love of his life, Shirley Virginia Atkins on July 20, 1957. They started their married life in Arlington, Virginia for a couple of years before moving to Browntown. In 1970 they built “Farriers Knob” and lived there until moving to Hidden Springs in 2019. Ott and Shirley were never blessed with children but they had a very special relationship with Chris Manuel whom they thought of as a son.
Ott was a member of Bentonville Baptist Church where he was affectionately known as the “Candy Man” to all that knew him. Ott and Shirley loved square dancing. They were members of the “Rivermont Ramblers” for many years.
Ott started his career serving his country in the United States Army from 1954-1956. After that he worked at Hudson Supply Structural Steel Company from 1957-1959. Ott was a self-taught farrier, applying his trade up and down the Shenandoah Valley for more than forty years. Ott had a team of horses that he trained himself. They could be seen hitched to his big green and red wagon in many area parades. He also had a beautiful sleigh and he and Shirley could be seen riding thru Browntown, the bells on the horses ringing loud for all to hear.
Ott lost his wife of 63 years on January 26, 2021. Most knew he would be joining her soon.
Ott is survived by his sisters, Nannie Sue Cornell, Beverly Stefko and Eleanor Weaver, a brother, Orivel Baker and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters Helen VanderArk, Elizabeth Kailan and Ida Mae Hagen, and brothers Clarence Baker, Jr. and Norman “Teedle” Baker.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of Hidden Springs, to Dr. Thomas Ball and Katie Winter and to the staff of Blue Ridge Hospice. We are forever grateful for the love shown to Ott.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorial contributions may be made to the following:
Bentonville Baptist Church
Attn. Treasurer, Linda Fuller
1479 Bentonville Road
Bentonville, Virginia 22610
Humane Society of Warren County
1245 Progress Drive
Front Royal, Virginia 22630
Margaret this George Cline I was so sorry to hear about John deathIf I can do anything I can do for you please let me know my new number is 540 692 5318 Take Care Ge
For my Uncle Ott—it was just a few days ago I was doing this for Aunt Shirley’s passing. Not surprised you are with her again. That’s the only comfort I have with losing you both, is that you are eternally together and in the most sacred place. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.
I will miss you both.
Love always,
Virginia and Glen (Kincaid) & family
I’m so sorry for your loss.. Ott was my farrier and friend for many years. I know how much he loved and missed Shirley. With her gone I’m sure he felt lost. Now they can continue their lives together. My prayers are with your family.
I am so sorry for your loss… Both Ott and Shirley were so kind and memorable to me and my family when we moved here over 40 years and ago, and they were the most wonderful neighbors you could ask for. They were and are a lovely couple; a great testimony to so many. Not enough words can be said about the impact they had on so many who knew them. Hope heaven likes Candy, cause if anyone could get it up there, it would be him!
Sad to hear of Ott’s passing (and wife). The losing of your soulmate
of sixty three years plus being a childhood sweetheart…..just too, too much for one one to live with.
May you Rest In Peace, Ott! Just feel
you and your wife had a great life.
Bobby Cather
Class of 1953
Thoughts and prayers with the family at this time of loss. Ott and Shirley will be missed by all that knew them. Mr. Baker was one of a kind as well as his wife Shirley. I loved them both. It is sad but brings happiness to know they are both together again. They had a wonderful love story. RIP
Thoughts and prayers. Ott was a wonderful person. At the Browntown Church, he would handout white and pink mints out of his dress coat. He shoed are horses too.