John is survived by son Timothy Baker and his wife Amee’ of Houston, daughter in law Carolyn Baker of Houston, and son in law Herb Whalley of Houston; grandchildren Troy, Becky, Sarah, Tiffany, Trent, Jessica, and Melanie; and numerous great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years Mary, son Michael, and daughter Laurie.
John grew up in Wellington, Kansas. After serving in the U.S. Army at the end of World War II, he attended and graduated from Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS, the first member of his family to graduate from college. While in Manhattan, he met Mary Williamson from Ottawa, KS and subsequently married her on August 27, 1950. After graduation, he accepted a job at Derby Refining so he and Mary relocated to Wichita, KS and Valley Center, KS and raised their three children until moving to Houston in late 1966. They then became members of Fair Haven United Methodist Church. John worked as an oilfield compressor engineer with Ingersoll Rand, Reserve Equipment, and Tidewater Compression until retirement. John was very active in all church activities including Methodist Men, loved sports and the outdoors, was a long-time member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, stayed busy with his hobbies of woodworking and stained glass, and was a friend to many. He will be remembered as a faithful and humble servant of God, a loving husband, and devoted father and grandfather.
Family and Friends will gather for a Celebration of John’s life, in the sanctuary of Fair Haven United Methodist Church, 1330 Gessner in Houston, at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 26, 2018. Immediately following the service, all are invited to join the family in sharing memories at a reception in the Fellowship Hall.
It is the family’s fondest wish that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in John’s name to the Food Pantry at Fair Haven United Methodist Church, 1330 Gessner, Houston, TX 77055 (713) 467 4363.
