WILLIAM DODGE (BILL) BAKER, JR.
1930-2016
William Dodge (Bill) Baker, Jr., age 85, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, February 10, 2016.
Bill will be inurned at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038 on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 10:30am with full military honors followed by a memorial service at 2:00pm at Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, Texas 77478. A reception will follow the service at the church.
Bill was born February 22, 1930 in Atlanta, Georgia to William Dodge Baker, Sr. and Evelyn Edwards Baker, who precede him in death. Bill moved with his family to Memphis, Tennessee and then to Houston, Texas as a child. He attended San Jacinto High School where he lettered in golf and tennis. Bill would also meet his future bride, Carolyn Brown Baker at San Jacinto.
Bill attended Texas A&M University on a tennis scholarship that turned into a golf scholarship. He was also a member of the Corps. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration in May 1953 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
Bill married Carolyn on June 6, 1953 and they moved to Fort Hood in Killeen, then Fort Lee, Virginia. Soon Bill received orders to go to Korea. When he returned from Korea, Bill then left the regular Army in 1955 for the Army Reserves which he continued until retiring in 1980 as a Colonel.
Bill and Carolyn moved back to Houston in 1955 and started their family, eventually raising three fine sons. Bill started his career as a produce broker, only selling sweet potatoes in the beginning. He purchased Rudy Brokerage Company and continued working until retiring in 1990.
Bill was a member of Fort Bend Country Club for over 50 years winning two club championships. He was an outstanding amateur golfer and continued to play until the last few years. He joined Sugar Creek Country Club in 2012.
Bill and Carolyn moved to Sugar Land in 1992 where they joined Sugar Land First United Methodist Church after being members of Bellaire United Methodist Church for 53 years.
Bill became a Tuesday Morning Volunteer at Sugar Land First United Methodist Church. The TMVs do repairs and projects around the church, as well as, Bible study, and mentoring.
In Bill’s later years, he enjoyed spending time with his sons and grandchildren playing golf, and watching them play golf.
Bill is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carolyn Brown Baker; his brother, Ray Baker of Connecticut; his three sons and their wives, Carl and Carole Baker of Sugar Land, Matt and Kathe Baker of Sugar Land, and Greg(Buzz) and Lisa Baker of Sugar Land. He has eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Bill was a great man who left an outstanding legacy. He was extremely proud of his beautiful family. His smile could light up the room. He will be missed by his family and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to the Caring Forever Endowment at the Sugar Land First United Methodist Church or to your favorite charity.