OWENS CROSS ROADS, Ala. (WHNT) — The City of Owens Cross Roads has announced that former Mayor and City Councilman Thomas “Steve” Backer has died.
The city announced on Wednesday that Baker, who played a key role in its early development, died June 24.
Baker served as a founding member of the Owens Cross Roads City Council when it was incorporated in 1967. He went on to serve as mayor from 1977 to 1988, which the city said was a transformative time for its development.
“During his esteemed tenure as Mayor, in collaboration with the City Council, he oversaw significant advancements crucial to the growth and well-being of Owens Cross Roads, including the purchase of land for our vital sewer plant and the execution of a contract with ADECA for its construction, including a $300K grant from ADECA, a foundational step in our city’s infrastructure development,” The city said.
The city said Baker also worked with the Madison County Commission to spearhead the development of the city park and tennis courts. According to the city, Baker also oversaw the formation of the Owens Cross Roads Planning Commission.
Baker was also a devoted family man and ran Baker’s Hardware in Owens Cross Roads.
“The City of Owens Cross Roads would like to express our profound gratitude and eternal remembrance for Mayor Thomas Steve Baker, a true pioneer and a beloved citizen whose contributions will forever be etched into the fabric of our city’s history,” the city said. “His leadership, family values, and entrepreneurial spirit continue to inspire us all.”
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