Billy Wayne Baker

Billy Wayne Baker went peacefully and joyfully into the loving arms of Jesus on November 26, 2025. Known to his family for being the most loving Father and Grandfather, he was born on May 8, 1935 to Oscar and Verna (Lane) Baker in Gladewater, TX. Billy married the love of his life on May 1, 1954 in Houston, TX.

A family outing to a dance on a Friday night, led Billy and Marcella to meet. That night, he told his mother he had met the girl he was going to marry. They were happily married for 70 years, until his beloved Marcella was called home on July 28, 2024. As their love grew for one another, so did their family, and he became affectionately known as Papaw to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Though they married young and began their life with very little, Billy and Marcella built a successful business while raising their family. Their business thrived over the years, and two of his grandchildren are still very involved in the business today.

Anyone who met him instantly fell in love with his charm, joy and quick wit. If you needed cheering up or a good laugh, Billy was the one you’d call. His smile made you smile. His laugh made you laugh. His love for his family was unmistakable in the way he always spoke so highly of us to others. His greatest joy was having his entire family together. He also loved to play golf and he was a long-time volunteer at the St Vincent de Paul Society. In true Papaw humor, he belonged to the Romeo Club, which stands for ‘Retired Old Men Eating Out.’ He also cherished the fellowship as a member of the Knights of Columbus.

While we are heartbroken that our sweet patriarch is no longer with us, we take comfort in knowing that we will see him again one day. We are rejoicing that he is with our Memaw once again and finally home in the embrace of Jesus. When we leave this earth, we all leave a legacy of how we lived, and served others. Billy has left a legacy of kindness, love, servitude, and laughter. He taught us how special family is, and how important it is to remain close and keep building relationships with one another. His daily life was rooted in his faith. He loved our God and spoke to Him every day. His life was filled with endless laughter, unwavering faith and unconditional love. We are so lucky that we got to have our Dad and our Papaw for 90 blessed years.

Billy is preceded in death by his wife, Marcella, of 70 years, his parents, brother-in-law Alois, sister Docia and his son-in-law Dale. He leaves behind his four children: Debbie Davis (Mark), Karen Pope (Gary), Robert Baker and Jennifer Couch, 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Papaw, we love you yesterday, today, tomorrow and always. We choose to celebrate your life, with hearts full of gratitude. Until we meet again, we’ll walk down memory lane, for it is lined with many treasured memories of a life well-lived.

Goodnight. Happy Dreams. We love you.

Romans 8:18 - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Billy’s favorite Charity, The Star of Hope.