MICHAEL “MIKE” ALAN BAKER

1945-2020

Michael Alan Baker died peacefully at home following a lengthy illness on November 3, 2020, in Houston, Texas. He was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, September 27, 1945 to the late Ethel Harman Baker and Richard Wilson. Mike’s siblings, with whom he enjoyed many family reunions, include: SwinfordWilson (deceased), Gay Jordan, and Richard Wilson. He is survived by a large, tight-knit family: son Dwight Alan Baker and his wife Sarah Sallis Baker and their children, Jackson and Evan Baker; daughter Emily Baker Amelio and her husband Gerardo Amelio and their children, Julian and Catalina Amelio; daughter CourtneyMichele Baker and her partner, Jordan Gottberg; daughter Samantha Baker Najer and her husband Alon Najer; stepson Rory Shively; and, close family member Cullen Evans and his wife Roxy Evans and their children, Walker and August Evans. In the later years of his life, he enjoyed living with companion Julee Ireland and her daughter Sophee, in

California.

Despite a difficult childhood and a lack of resources, Mike was a highly successful scholar and athlete throughout his life. He graduated fromWaltrip High School, class of 1963, and then enrolled in the University of Houston with a track scholarship, specializing in the 10,000 meter and the mile runs. He graduated with a degree in accounting from the University of Houston and went on to earn a J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center, where he served on the Law Review and graduated with honors. Throughout law school, Mike worked as an accountant and earned a C.P.A. During the VietnamWar, he was an attorney for the military in the JAG Corps. Following his time in the military, he joined Fulbright and Jaworski, LLP as an associate attorney. During the 1970’s and 80’s, he was an attorney specializing in mergers and acquisitions at Browning Ferris Industries, traveling extensively throughout the world.

A venture capitalist and entrepreneur at heart, starting companies and “doing deals” wasMike’s life-long passion. With Notre Capital Ventures, Mike co-founded many companies and launched several IPOs, including Allwaste, Coach USA, and AmericanMedical Response. Running was another of his passions, and he ran over forty-two marathons throughout his life, including the Boston marathon. Mike was a die-hard University of Houston fan and alum, and he devoted countless hours to the University as a booster, a donor, a law professor, and as President of the Alumni

Association. An avid traveler and adventurer in his later years, Mike enjoyed listening to concerts and skiing at theWolfMountain Ski Resort, which he owned and developed during the 1990’s, relaxing at his ranch in Cancun, Mexico, and barging in France on his boat, the C’est La Vie.

To honorMike’s memory, gifts can be made to the UH - Mike Baker Scholarship Fund at the University of Houston Foundation, which supports track scholarships at the University of Houston. UH Foundation

4543 Post Oak Place

Suite 250

Houston, TX 77027

1929-2020

Dewey Jude Gonsoulin, 90, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, surrounded by family. He joins his beloved wife of 56 years, Jean J. Gonsoulin, who preceded him on June 17, 2015.

For Dewey, family was paramount from the beginning of his life. He was born on December 27, 1929, in Houston to Robert and Elma Gonsoulin. He spent many happy times in Jeanerette, Louisiana with parents, grandparents, his brothers Robert and Thomas, and an extended array of aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He later shared that Cajun heritage with his own family.

Although his family roots were in Louisiana, he grew up in Houston where he graduated as valedictorian of St. Thomas High School in May 1947. He remained in Houston and attended Rice Institute, now known as Rice University, where he was chosen as a member of Phi Beta Kappa and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction in June of 1951.

Following his graduation from Rice, Dewey entered the University of Texas Law School in September of 1951 and joined the U.S. Army R.O.T.C. He graduated three years later inMay of 1954 both with honors and as a DistinguishedMilitary Graduate. During his time at UT Law School, he served on the Texas Law Review and was a member of the law fraternity, Phi Delta Phi.

After graduation, he served in the U.S ArmyMedical Service Corps stationed in Japan for two years and was honorable discharged as a First Lieutenant.

Dewey returned to Texas and practiced as an attorney at the Beaumont law firm of MehaffyWeber for over 60 years. As he moved through the ranks of associate, partner, and later “Of Counsel”, he built an extraordinary career as a trial lawyer and appellate law specialist. He was certified in labor law in 1975 and later in civil appellate law in 1989. Dewey served as president of the Texas Associate of Defense Counsel, and the Jefferson County Bar Association, where he was also awarded the Blackstone Award. In 1985, he was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, and he was a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. In addition, he was a faculty member of the Trial Academy for the International Association of Defense Counsel.

While his legal career was a source of great pride for Dewey, he always made his Catholic faith, his family and his service to the community as top priorities in his life. He was instrumental in the founding of St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church and served as eucharistic minister and usher. He was a member of the Rococo dance club, Shady Investors, Profits Unlimited, Taylor’s Bayou Hunting Club and served on the Boards of the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, Monsignor Kelly High School Board and the Local Governing Board for Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital. In addition, he was chairman of the Beaumont Civil Service Commission for 25 years.

Dewey is survived by his three children: Jean Gonsoulin of Pasadena, California; Anne Figueiras of Beaumont, Texas; and Dewey Gonsoulin, Jr. and his wife Karen, of Houston, Texas; his eight grandchildren, Caroline Kirby (Aaron); Catherine Pick (Cullen); Mark Figueiras, Michael Figueiras; Elizabeth Figueiras; Dewey Gonsoulin III; Emily Gonsoulin; and Robert Gonsoulin; his brother Thomas (Anne) and his cousin Julie Cowan (Finis); and his great grandchildren, Chase and Harris Kirby.

A private funeral mass and burial service for Dewey will be held for immediate family, and a celebration of his life will be planned for the spring or early summer for family, friends, colleagues and others who wish to share in honoring his life. The family extends their sincere thanks and gratitude to all the caregivers who assisted Dewey during his final years, and particularly to Josephine, Kathy, Ana, Pete, Dori, Emily, Raul and Linda for their long service to the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dewey Jude Gonsoulin, Sr. Endowment for Excellence Scholarship in Law at the University of Texas School of Law, www. UTLSF.org/gonsoulin; to St. Jude’s Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77706-3239, http:// osvhub.com/stjudebmt/ funds; or to the charity of your choice.

Complete and updated information may be found at: broussards1889.com.