Mary Baker

Mary was born on June 17, 1935, in Dawson, Texas, to the late Dan and Kate Baker. She was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her—a daughter, sister, loving wife and mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend to many.

Mary had a deep-rooted faith in Jesus and shared it throughout her life, leading others to the Lord. She graduated from Dawson High School and later attended Navarro Junior College in Corsicana, where she earned her Associate's degree. Mary spent most of her adult life in the aerospace industry, working for Vought, LTV, and retiring from Lockheed Martin. She began her career as a young child in her family's grocery store, Lawler Grocery and Café, in Dawson.

On August 23, 1958, Mary married Archie “Buck” Baker in Dawson, Texas. They were married for 48 years and lived in both Lewisville and Burleson, Texas, raising their family and contributing to their community. They were members of the Lewisville Bible Church and later helped establish the Burleson Bible Church.

Mary was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Crowley, where she served as a greeter and wrote numerous encouraging notes to visitors and members. She enjoyed sending cards to friends and relatives, celebrating birthdays and special occasions.

In addition to her church involvement, Mary was part of the local Red Hat Society, participating in events with her fellow red hat ladies. She volunteered throughout her life at local schools, churches, and agencies, always offering her assistance.

Mary was passionate about basketball and was a devoted fan of the Dallas Mavericks. She played basketball in both high school and college.

A talented baker, Mary loved being in the kitchen, specializing in cakes, cookies, and pies. She made holiday-themed chocolates and often gifted her nieces and nephews with special treats. As a master cake decorator, she created birthday cakes for her children and grandchildren. Mary also enjoyed sewing and made many of her children’s clothes.

Mary was a member of the Dawson Ex-Student Association, serving as chairperson and helping develop the memory book Deep in the Hearts of Dawson: A Book of Memoriesin 2001.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Archie “Buck” Baker; her parents, Dan and Kate Baker; sister Lena Graham; and brothers Bill Baker and Dan Allen Baker.

She is survived by her daughter, Dani Baker Smith of Burleson; son Kelvin Baker and wife Pam of Burleson; grandchildren Dawson Smith and wife Brooke of Hutto, Hayley Smith of Paris, France; Hayden Baker and Nicholas Baker of Burleson, Texas.

The family extends their thanks to Park Bend Nursing Home for their care of Mary in her final years.

A visitation for Mary will be held Tuesday, August 19, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Laurel Land Funeral Home of Fort Worth, 7100 CROWLEY RD, FORT WORTH, TX 76134. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 7100 CROWLEY RD, FORT WORTH, TX 76134. A committal service will occur Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 7100 CROWLEY RD, FORT WORTH, TX 76134.