Linvel Baker

He was born Kenneth Linvel Baker on April 23, 1956 in Kerrville, Texas to Ollie Ann (Rippy) and the late Kenny Baker.

Linvel was the oldest of four, raised on the family farm in Smithwick. While in High School, Linvel displayed his varied interests as he proved a leader on the football field, as President of the FFA, and a representative at Boys State.

After losing his baby brother, Leslie, to Hodgkin's Disease, Linvel went on a search to find out who God truly is. With guidance and wisdom from Nelson Lewis and Truman Stinson, Linvel went to the Sunset School of Preaching and found what he was looking for. He developed an even deeper faith and conviction in God, which would shape his life and impact hundreds of others.

After Sunset, Linvel continued with two years at Harding University and completed his Bachelor in Biblical Studies at Abilene Christian University in 1990. He later went on to receive his Master of Theology degree from the Austin Graduate School of Theology. Linvel had an insatiable thirst for knowledge, truth, and wisdom. He never felt as though he had “arrived,” but constantly welcomed debate, curiosity, and challenge. Through this, Linvel developed a deep love and compassion for people, based out of the reality of God’s word. He deeply wanted people to understand the truth and intentionally use their mind and wisdom, instead of the fleeting emotions that come and go.

In 1980, he met Shirley Davis and knew immediately he had to spend his life with her. They married later that year in a civil ceremony in Goldthwaite,Texas followed by a large celebration with their family and friends. Linvel and Shirley lived in several places including Brownwood, San Angelo, Bremond, Grand Prairie, Bertram, and Colorado before they settled in Smithwick,Texas.

Linvel faithfully preached the word for 44 years, spending the last 32 at the Smithwick Church of Christ from which he retired in December 2020.

Linvel loved sharing his passions with his children and grandchildren, especially his deep love of the land and hunting. He spent many years raising livestock, playing chess, studying history, philosophy, Greek, and acupuncture. In later years, Linvel was an avid primitive archer. He most recently had developed an excitement and interest in Permaculture and had big plans for the Rampart Ranch. Rampart means a place of safety and refuge, as mentioned in Psalm 91, and Linvel had set his eyes to create a space that was just that. The more he worked the land, the more he loved it.

Also known as Daddy, Uncle, and most often, PaPa—he was loved by many. One of his best qualities was his ability to connect with people. He never met a stranger, and always had a great story and laugh to share. Through the years, he made more friends than you can count.

Linvel was preceded in death by his father Watt Kenneth Baker and his brother, Leslie Baker.

He is survived by Shirley, his loving wife of almost 41 years; three children, Whitney Goble and her husband, Andis of Bertram; Kaleb Baker of Marble Falls; Lauren Hopkins and her husband Joey of Midland; and 7 grandchildren, Angela, Kate, Makenzy, Makayla and Paxton Goble, Baker and Bennett Hopkins, his mother, Ollie Ann (Rippy) Baker; His brother, Lauris Baker and his wife Cheryl and their family and also his sister, Ann.

Visitation will be Friday, September 24th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Smithwick Church of Christ. Funeral service will be on Saturday, September 25th at 10 am at the Marble Falls Church of Christ, with burial to follow at Smithwick Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in Linvel’s memory to the Georgetown Church of Christ, Attn: Missions, 1525 University Ave. Georgetown, TX 78628, Memo: Thessaloniki.