Michael Baker

Perry Michael Baker, a lifelong steward of Texas ranching heritage, was born on September 28, 1937, at Bakers Crossing in Val Verde County, Texas. He was a fifth-generation descendant of David and Lizzie Baker, who first settled the area in 1881. From that time forward, the Baker family ranched along the beautiful Devils River—a legacy Michael deeply honored and upheld throughout his life. Raised on the land that shaped generations before him, Michael developed a strong work ethic, a deep respect for tradition, and an abiding love for the rugged beauty of West Texas. He was riding horses by the time he could walk and milking cows by the age of five. His first schoolteacher was a cousin who lived on a nearby ranch. He later attended schools in Comstock and Del Rio and spent his senior year at Jefferson High School in San Antonio. Michael attended Texas A&M University and Sul Ross State University, where he earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. After graduating, he began his career teaching high school in the old San Felipe School District. Many of his students were close to his own age and later became lifelong friends. He also worked in the Del Rio school district. A man of many talents and interests, Michael was not only a rancher and educator but also a pilot, a builder, and anything else he set his mind to do. Whatever he did, he did well. He loved books, Texas, and history. His personal library included many rare and first-edition books on West Texas and the surrounding area, and he read constantly. Known as the local historian, he served as president of the historical society. The Devils River country was more than a home—it was part of who he was, and he carried that pride with him always. Michael was known for his quiet strength, generosity, humor, and unwavering commitment to family and heritage. He took great pride in the Baker name and in the responsibility of preserving the land and values entrusted to him. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Sam Perry and Arlene Baker; his brother, John Norman Baker; and his sister, Judith Lake Baker. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Georgia Phyllis Baker; his sons, Benjamin Michael Baker and John Wesley Baker; and his grandchildren, Emily Baker, Benjamin Samuel Baker, and Daniel Michael Baker; his sister, Molly Lorentzen and her spouse Ed, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Michael Baker’s legacy lives on in the land he protected, the history he preserved, and the family he loved—an enduring testament to a life well lived and faithfully stewarded. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Trinity Chapel of Faith. A funeral Mass is scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 12 noon at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Officiating will be Father Jose. A private burial will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Trinity Mortuary, 206 Kings Way, Del Rio, Texas (830) 775-2230.

Michael Baker

September 28, 1937 - January 29, 2026