Thomas Leon Baker

Thomas Leon Baker was born in Thalia, Texas on January 6, 1935 and passed away in San Antonio, Texas on July 8, 2021. He was the youngest of 9 children (7 boys and 2 girls). He was predeceased by his parents, Jefferson Devero Baker and Beatrice Evelyn Bruce Baker; 6 brothers: Burrell, Wayne, Eschol, Garland, Glenn and Robert; sisters, Eula and Beatrice and brother-in-law, Grady Trew. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Mary Ann Pless Baker; son, Donald and Debbie Baker; daughter, Michelle and Jerrel Johnson; grandsons, Daniel and Michelle Baker and Dustin Baker; granddaughters, Shannon and Cory Ruddell and Caitlyn and Justin Baker; seven great grandchildren: Reale, Cloey, Makayla, Nathaniel, Reagan, Avery and Wesley; as well as sisters-in-law, Perri Trew and Jo Saathoff. He is also survived by a host of extended family, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ.

Leon grew up on the family farm south of San Antonio where he attended first grade at McDonna Elementary School. He moved to Devine, Texas where he graduated high school. Leon was the first boy to ever earn Eagle Scout in Devine. He was selected to Order of the Arrow National Honor Society. In high school, he participated in Vocational Ag and Future Farmers of America (FFA) showing Blue Ribbon lambs in Fat Stock Show.

He served over 22 years in the United States Air Force assigned as a foreign language specialist with duty in Turkey, Germany, Pakistan and Greece as well as in the USA. He earned the Bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Leon had a distinguished second career as a safety professional with the St. Paul and Zurich Insurance companies retiring in 1998. He was a Certified Safety Professional and Certified Risk Manager. He served the American Society of Safety Engineers and the Greater San Antonio Safety Council Board for many years until his retirement.

After retirement, he and his wife traveled extensively in America in their motorhome and attended many Southern Gospel concerts.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021

12:30 P.M.

PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

Interment with Honors will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Services were recorded and be viewed below: