Lennis W. Baker

Lennis W. Baker
18th Mayor of Lubbock, Texas
In office April 1, 1958 – 1960
Preceded by	S. S. Forrest
Succeeded by	David C. Casey
Personal details
Born	(1912-03-12)March 12, 1912 Lockney, Texas, U.S.
Died	August 23, 2000(2000-08-23) (aged 88) Lubbock, Texas, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Verdie Mae Warren ​ (m. 1940)​
Children	3
Alma mater	Texas Tech

Lennis Watson Baker (March 12, 1912 – August 23, 2000) was an American politician who served as mayor of Lubbock, Texas from 1958 to 1960.

Early life

Baker was born on March 12, 1912, in Lockney, Texas,[1] to France Baker and Lea Maud Watson.[1] He moved to Lubbock in 1919.[2] He graduated from Lubbock High School, and attended Texas Tech for three years, studying Business Administration.[2] In 1931, he began his business career working in the printing, office supply, and sporting goods industry.[2] He began serving on the Lubbock Christian University Board of Trustees in 1959.[3] He served as chairman of the board from 1964 to 1978.[3]

Political career

He began his political career serving four years on the Lubbock City Commission.[2] He was elected mayor on April 1, 1958, defeating Casey Charness,[4] 2,622 to 815 votes.[5] He did not seek reelection in 1960.[6] During his tenure, a proposal was made for the construction of a new city hall, and expansion of airport facilities.[7]

Personal life

He married his wife, Verdie Mae Warren,[8] on September 15, 1940.[3][9] They have three daughters.[8] He died on August 23, 2000, aged 88, in Lubbock.[1]

References

1. "FamilySearch.org". ancestors.familysearch.org. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
2. "For Continued Good Government In Lubbock". Lubbock Evening Journal. 1958-03-31. p. 7. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
3. "LCU Mourns Passing of Verdie Baker, Remembers Her Contributions and Service". lcu.edu. 2016-06-16. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
4. "Municipal Elections". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. 1958-04-03. p. 18. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
5. "Incumbents Hold Upper Hand In City Elections Over State". Bryan-College Station Eagle. 1958-04-02. p. 8. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
6. "Lubbock Mayoral election, 1960". Bryan-College Station Eagle. 1960-04-06. p. 14. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
7. "Plans For New City Hall, Other Projects Discussed At Dinner". Lubbock Morning Avalanche. 1958-09-09. p. 1. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
8. "Baker, Thompson And Maner Announce For City Offices". Lubbock Evening Journal. 1958-02-28. p. 10. Retrieved 2024-02-17.
9. "Verdie Baker Obituary (1917 - 2016) - Lubbock, TX - Lubbock Avalanche-Journal". Legacy.com. Retrieved 2024-02-17.