Dell Mitchell Baker

Dell was born on October 13, 1953, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, to Olis Jane Greer Baker and Charles Waidell Baker, both of whom preceded him in death.

Dell was a laid-back, kind-hearted man who never had a bad word to say about anyone. If someone needed help, Dell was the person who would step right in without hesitation and without ever asking for anything in return. His gentle nature, generosity, and quiet sense of humor made him someone who was loved and respected by all who knew him.

Dell began working at a very young age at the Piggly Wiggly grocery store in Port Gibson, Mississippi, under the guidance of Mr. George A. Hudson Sr. Mr. Hudson took Dell under his wing and taught him everything there was to know about the meat business. Dell quickly developed a true talent for his craft and went on to become one of the finest butchers anyone could hope to know.

On September 18, 1976, Dell married the love of his life, Barbara Duran of Rosenberg, Texas, following a long-distance courtship that lasted four years. Together, they shared 50 wonderful years of marriage and built a life centered around family. They were blessed with one daughter, Erica, who was truly Dell’s world. The bond between Dell and Erica was something special, and the love they shared was evident to everyone who knew them.

In 1989, Dell packed up his family and moved them to Texas, where they made their home in Beasley. He went to work for Fiesta Market, where he served as a meat market manager for 20 years. Dell eventually retired following heart surgery, and he thoroughly enjoyed his retirement years.

One of Dell’s favorite things was cruising with his family on Carnival Cruise Line. He looked forward to taking at least one cruise each year and enjoyed every moment of the experience. In fact, Dell and his family had just returned from a cruise approximately two weeks before his passing—a trip he enjoyed immensely and one that his family will forever treasure.

Dell’s greatest joy, however, was his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 50 years, Barbara Duran Baker; his daughter, Erica Heather Baker (Cheryl); and his grandchildren, Derek Chechel and Nicole Chechel, along with family and friends who will deeply miss his gentle spirit and generous heart.

He is also survived by his brother, Pat Velvet Baker; his sisters, Peggy Greer, Juanita Ivey, Linda Arnold, and Pam Qualls; mother-in-law, Esther H. Duran; brothers-in-law, Ronnie (Myrna) Duran and Michael Duran; and sisters-in-law, Shirley (Al) Lopez, Grace (Rusty) Ivey, Patricia (DuWayne) Hedt, and Mary Jane (Mario) Martin.

Dell was preceded in death by his parents, Olis Jane Greer Baker and Charles Waidell Baker; brothers-in-law Jimmy Greer, Leon Ivey, Dwight Arnold, Foster Qualls, and John Duran; nephew Wesley Qualls; and father-in-law Felix G. Duran.

The family of Del M. Baker wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who provided Dell with compassionate care, including Gatsby Home Health, especially nurse Ms. Alina, therapist Ms. Athena, CNA Ms. Florence, and nurse Ms. Winchell. The family also extends their sincere appreciation to Dr. Sidhu, Dr. Brink, Dr. Ho, and Dr. Shelare for their care and support.

Dell leaves behind a legacy of kindness, devotion to family, hard work, and a willingness to help anyone who needed him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to assist with Dell’s final expenses.

A visitation will be held at Forest Park Southwest Funeral Home, 9040 FM 359 Road, Richmond, TX 77406, US, on October 9, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at the same location on October 9, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.