Marlin Clinton Baker, DVM

GRANBURY – At his home on Saturday, August, 6, 2016, Marlin Clinton Baker, DVM, passed in peace at the age of 78.
Survived by his wife: Marilyn Kay Baker, son: John Clinton Baker, daughter: Marla Wharton and husband, Shawn, grandchildren: Trevor Wharton, Taylor Wharton, Tatum Wharton and Ella Baker, brother: Quentin Baker and wife, Pam, nephew: Neil Baker, niece: Jenny Frueh. Countless friends and admirers as well as his beloved little dog: Itchi.
Marlin was born on October, 24, 1937 in Boulder, CO to Victor and Helen Baker. He grew up in Fairplay, CO of where he would often reminisce with warm memories about the family homestead. In 1966, Marlin obtained his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. and married the love of his life, Marilyn “Kay” Popino. The two of them built a very successful equine veterinary practice together and a beautiful family whom they raised to share their love of horses and rodeo.
Dr. Baker was the Instructor of Large Animal Medicine at the University of Minnesota where he established Alpha Equine Clinic in Maple Plain, MN in 1969 and went on to develop Minnesota Equine Associates with five other Veterinarians in 1972. Coming to Weatherford, TX in 1977, He established Alpha Equine Hospital in 1978. It became the first “All-Equine” group practice and hospital in Parker County. In 1997 he developed a separate entity in Granbury, TX, Alpha Equine Breeding Center and most recently in 2015 added a full veterinarian equine clinic at the breeding farm location. A member of AVMA, 50-year member of AAEP, member of TVMA, member of Society of Therogeneology, member of AQHA and NCHA. His expertise and affiliation with these well-known associations recognized him as a respected professional. The year 2016 marked his 50th anniversary practicing as an equine veterinarian and also was the 50th wedding anniversary of he and his loving wife, Kay.
The compassionate kind heart that Dr. Baker exhibited in the care of every single horse he worked on over the years was a shining example of who he was. Being a vet was not a job to him but a part of him, his passion. His customers were his friends and he considered his friends family. When asked what he did for fun the answer honestly was, “he worked”. With that said, however; it was a family business and he very much appreciated their encouragement and support. His son, Clint, manages the breeding farm and his wife, Kay, takes care of the books. Some of the things he also enjoyed were raising Hereford’s, he was an avid reader, loved sharing his knowledge, and he could spend hours on his tractor. His face would light up at the sight of his grandchildren, every time! Most will remember him for his integrity as well as that unique sense of humor he would offer with that mischievous grin that everyone loved.
Celebration of life memorial will be held on October 1, 2016. An honorary memorial fund is being formed in lieu of flowers.
Please check our website for details to come. www.alphaequine.com