Earl Harrison Baker

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather, Earl H. Baker, Jr. on November 28,2025. He had been living with his son Buddy and his wife Karen for the past five and a half years. Earl passed away peacefully at home, as he had always wished to do.

He was born on November 23, 1925, in Houston, to Earl Harrison Baker, Sr. and Lethal Gillman. He was the youngest of five children and the only son.

When WWII broke out, Earl and his lifelong friend Jack started working in the shipyards as welders, reinforcing the hulls of ships. They were smaller and more agile and could work in places they older welders could not. When he turned 17, Earl and Jack enlisted in the Navy and served until the end of the war.

After the war Earl returned home to Houston, married his longtime sweetheart, Colette, finished high school, then enrolled in college. His college career ended after 2 years with the birth of his first child. In 1947 Earl went to work for his father-in-law, Dutch, in his fledgling seafood supply company, Dutchman's Seafood, for $30 per week. He continued operating the company for the next 50 years. During that time he purchased a restaurant, Hyden’s, with brother-in-law Jim Pinero. A few years later he developed an oyster bar concept that became the Capt. Benny’s Seafood and Oyster Bar chain.

Earl was preceded in death by his first wife, Colette Pinero, and later by his second wife Patsy Lamar.

Earl is survived by 2 sons, Earl Harrison Baker, III (Buddy) and his wife Karen and Richard Alan Baker and his wife Mary Ann. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Earl taught us all the value of hard work and the importance of family. He was especially fond of all of his grands and loved being their Pawpaw. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Services will be held at The Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Fwy., Houston, Texas 77079. Visitation will be December 10 from 6-8 p.m. and Funeral Service December 11 at 10 a.m. Burial to follow on Tue, Dec 11, 2025 at 11:00  AM.

The Family has invited everyone for a reception 12 noon following services at ;

Goode Company Seafood,

10201 Katy Frwy

Houston, 77024