Garry Cooper Baker of Camp Wood, Texas passed away Thursday, January 23rd, 2020 in Uvalde, Texas. On January 31, 1936, in Bertram, Texas, Garry Cooper Baker was born to Alice Joyce (Hardin) and William Thomas Baker. Garry, along with his two brothers and two sisters, grew up on their family's land along the San Gabriel river, fishing, hunting, and running wild all over Burnet County. In his later years, Garry relished his roles as PeePaw, coffee drinker, slow driver, tractor doctor, and porch sitter. Watching hummingbirds in his rocking chair on the back porch was a particularly enjoyable pastime, and he could tell you all the personalities of the birds that came to his feeder year after year.
Garry married a "skinny little blond girl" named Nancy Sue Vernor in 1964, and although the marriage didn't last, the couple's dedication to their three children never wavered. Garry's lifetime friend, Thomas Ischy, passed on to eternity only 23 days before him, and both families know the two of them had a beautiful reunion in Heaven. (We've also giggled about God having His hands full with those two!)
Those left to cherish Garry's memory are: daughter, Samantha Carman, and husband Scotty, of Wink, Texas; son, Will Baker and wife Tamicia, of Camp Wood, Texas; son, Lynn Baker and wife Ginger, of Barksdale, Texas; the mother of his children, Sue Pryse, of Camp Wood, Texas; eight grandchildren: Cody Baker, Cally Baker, Bryce Carman, Josh Rodriguez, Brooke Carman, Samantha Rodriguez, Chase Baker, and Addison Baker; and two great granddaughters: Zaylee Baker and Ayzlee Baker; brother, Ralph Baker and wife Fay of Bertram, Texas, and many members of the Baker, Vernor, and Ischy families.
Garry's children would like to thank all those in the Nueces Canyon community who helped him in some way when his mind began to falter, whether it was leaving his empty plate on the table so he would know he had already eaten, reminding him he'd recently had an ice cream when he returned to the store ten minutes later for another, listening to the same story numerous times but not pointing that out, and the countless kind actions his family knew nothing about. Names won't be listed at the risk of leaving someone out, but you know who you are and we are forever grateful.
To Tru Hiatt, Maggie Diaz, Mickey Martinez, and the rest of the Veranda family, there are no words. You made Dad feel loved and respected, and you lovingly guided him back to room 216 when he was "lost as a goose." He didn't remember your names, but he knew your sweet faces and that you thought he was special, and knowing you were with him in the end when we couldn't be brings us comfort amidst the pain.
Although our hearts are broken at the thought of life without our beloved Dad and PeePaw, we praise God that He allowed us to grow up with such a devoted and loving man, and we will do our very best to carry on Dad's legacy of love, laughter, and just a little bit of orneriness.
Visitation will be held 1-7 p.m. Sunday, January 26th, 2020 at Nelson Funeral Chapel, Camp Wood, Texas.
Graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, January 27th, 2020 at the Vance Cemetery, Vance Texas. Officiated by Pastor Carroll Vernor Jr.
Arrangements are under the personal care of Nelson Funeral Home of Camp Wood, Texas.