John Frederick Baker

John Baker was born on July 29, 1927, the second child of Basil Don Baker and Fern Kellermeyer. After graduating from Jeff Davis High School in 1943, he joined the Navy and served in World War II. After the war, he briefly attended Texas A&M University, and although he did not finish his degree there, he was an Aggie through and through. At the age of 22, he met the girl of his dreams, Jeanette McFarland, while working at United Gas. He told Jeanette, “I’ve been waiting my whole life for you.” They were married on November 22, 1950, and had two children, Susan and John, Jr., whom John loved very much. John and his wife lived in Houston and were married 66 years, until he peacefully departed to be with his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, September 20 at the age of 89.

John enjoyed life to the very fullest. He loved to golf, work outside, and spend time with his family. One activity they enjoyed together was fishing. And after his own children were grown and had children, he passed this activity on to his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Basil and Fern Baker, as well as his stepmother Hazel Baker. Left behind to remember John is his loving wife, Jeanette Baker; his daughter, Susan Shank and her husband, Steve; his son John Baker, Jr. and his wife Julie; his grandchildren, Travis and Taylor Shank, and Paige and Kyle Baker.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 24th followed by the funeral service at 12:30 PM, and conclude with the interment.