(Photograph of Corporation Commissioner Hamp Baker, Chairman, 1974-1985.)
Former Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Hamp Baker, who served in the statewide-elected office for 12 years, died this week. He was 91 and after losing a re-election bid for a third term on the commission, he returned to his home in Ringling.
Baker was defeated in 1984 by long-time State Sen. Bob Hopkins who got 63% of the votes. Hopkins had served 26 years in the state legislature when he made the run for the Corporation Commission.
A statement was issued by the Corporation Commission.
“The Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners and staff want to express their sympathy to the family of former Corporation Commissioner Hamp Baker who has reportedly lost his battle with cancer. The two-term Commissioner from Ratliff City served on the Commission from 1974 to 1985.”
Following his tenure on the Commission, Baker told the Tulsa World in December 1989, he worked for the National Association of Energy Users, traveled the country and met with members of Congress to promote the use of Oklahoma natural gas.
His death was announced at the state capitol by his niece, Rep. Tammy Townley, R-Ardmore who said Bakaer died following a battle with cancer.
Commissioner Baker served the state from 1974 to 1985, becoming a well-known figure both for his work and his memorable public safety campaign slogan: “Hamp Baker says Drive with Care.” The slogan—often seen on car hoods and signs across Oklahoma—became one of the most recognized marketing efforts of the 1970s.
“He loved being a Corporation Commissioner and he loved Oklahoma,” said Rep. Townley, R-Ardmore. “But to me, he was just my uncle—my mom’s brother, the one who encouraged me to run for office and believed in me before I believed in myself. He even helped me put out signs. He was one of my favorite people on this planet.”
Even in his 90s, Hamp was still was pulling his own oil wells up until about a month ago.
After his time on the Commission, Baker continued to advocate for Oklahoma energy, working with the National Association of Energy Users to promote the use of Oklahoma natural gas on a national level.
Baker’s passion for public service and deep commitment to his home state left a lasting impact on Oklahoma—and on his family.
“My uncle’s slogan was ‘Put your stamp on Hamp,’” Townley said. “He certainly put his on Oklahoma.”
But Baker also had legal problems after leaving the commission. He was arrested and charged with grand larceny in 1996 as The Oklahoman reported. The incident involved allegations of the theft of oilfield equipment and Baker later pleaded no contest to felony larcey and grand theft charges. A Garvin County District Judge accepted the plea and deferred imposing judgment and sentence of 3 years to be served unsupervised. The judge also ordered Baker to pay restitution of $800.