Dr. Harold Nordean Baker

Harold Nordean Baker, Ph.D. was born on May 18, 1943 in Iowa City, Iowa. While sleeping peacefully at home, Harold passed away on January 1, 2017. Known most of his life as Nordean or “Nordy”, Harold attended Denton High School and earned a Chemistry degree with honors from Lamar University in 1965. He continued his education at Tulane University, earning his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry in 1970. His postdoctoral fellowship was at M.D. Anderson Hospital with the Robert A. Welch Foundation. Harold had over 20 academic publications and held numerous teaching positions primarily at Baylor University and Louisiana State University. After teaching, Harold spent the remainder of his career in biotechnology with Abbott Laboratories and most recently Luminex Corporation.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Joyce Baker, and stepson Ramsey Mahmoud. He is survived by his loving wife, Jane Mahmoud; his children Deanna Thibodeaux, Chris Baker, Kevin Baker and Shannon Marrs; step children Alisa Kennedy, Byron Prest and Basil Mahmoud; his sisters Carol Biano, Phyllis Diane Evans and Joni Verdina; and 5 grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren and his beloved dog, Pedro.

Always concerned for others and willing to help where he could, Harold contributed in many ways to make our world a better place. An Eagle Scout, Harold was involved with scouting his entire life, volunteering in many roles from Scoutmaster to leadership. Harold was also passionate about a program called Discovery, the goal of which is to give participants the tools to live with more freedom, courage, purpose and power in all aspects of life. Harold spent many 3 day weekends volunteering at Discovery workshops where he had a direct and positive impact on countless lives. He was a member of Northwest Hills United Methodist Church, serving there as a Stephen Minister for several years.

Harold loved to drink wine, travel the world with Jane and socialize with numerous friends. Visiting many local wineries and Napa regularly, he was knowledgeable about all aspects of wine production. Harold and Jane also traveled quite a lot recently, visiting 14 countries in the last 4 years. Harold never hesitated to share his expertise and knowledge, not only as it relates to wine and travel, but on ALL topics with patient friends and family who loved and appreciated him. Harold’s sharp mind, positive outlook and kind heart will be greatly missed.

The family will receive friends at Cook Walden on Anderson Mill Road on Friday, January 6 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Services will be held Saturday afternoon, January 7, at 3:30 pm also at Cook Walden. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Discovery Austin, 824 W 10th Street, Austin, 78701 or Florence’s Comfort House, 515 Kemp St., Austin, TX 78741.

To share your memories and condolences with Dr. Harold Nordean Baker's family, please visit www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com.