((Funeral services for Verdie Baker are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at Green Lawn Church of Christ. Visitation is from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday at Resthaven.))
Verdie Mae Baker, a long-time supporter of Lubbock Christian University, passed away on June 15, 2016 at age 98.
“Verdie Baker was a very gentle, kind, and encouraging person,” said Dr. Ken Jones, chancellor and fifth president of LCU. “She always made you feel special. She, along with her husband Lennis, had significant impact on LCU. From our beginning, this family helped to make us what and who we are today.”
Verdie married Lennis W. Baker on Sept. 15, 1940. Lennis, who passed in 2000, began serving on the LCU Board of Trustees in 1959. He remained on the board throughout his life, serving as chairman from 1964 through 1978. Verdie served as an early member of the LCU Associates.
In 1998, The Lennis and Verdie Baker Conference Center was dedicated in their name in recognition of their dedicated contributions of service to the university.
“The LCU community mourns the passing of Verdie Baker, a great friend and supporter of the university,” said LCU President Tim Perrin. “The extensive involvement of the Bakers with the university has influenced and benefitted numerous LCU students. Our beautiful conference center on campus is most appropriately named in honor of Lennis and Verdie, and it will continue to serve as a testament to their many significant contributions to the university and to the Lubbock community.”
Verdie is survived by her three daughters, Carol Adams, Beverly Ann Crossnoe – whose husband, Marvin, taught at LCU – and Janet Durham, who attended LCU; seven grandchildren, including one who attended LCU, Dr. Reagan Crossnoe (’94); and ten great-grandchildren.