• Article Image Alt Text

James Thomas (Tommy ) Baker

Funeral services took place Thursday, May 23 for James Thomas (Tommy) Baker, who passed away Monday, May 20, 2019 at Limestone Medical Center in Groesbeck. He was 86 years old.

Tommy was born in Dallas December 17, 1932. He and his parents moved to Teague in 1936. He graduated from Teague High School with the Class of 1950; attended Navarro Junior College and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Sam Houston State University. He married Geraldine Oakes on December 22, 1956.

He began his coaching career in Fairfield, Texas, followed by coaching assignments at Tarkington and Marlin. His teams were successful on the football field and basketball court, but more importantly, the players grew to be successful adults. He remained “Coach” Baker to his athletes. Tommy earned his Master’s Degree and moved into school administration – as a principal in Moody ISD and McGregor ISD. He was also Superintendent of Magnolia ISD and Teague ISD. Tommy retired from education in 1984 and began his ranching career. He and his wife enjoyed traveling, spending time with friends and family and driving Odie, his 1929 Ford Model A. Tommy was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Teague where he served as a deacon and other positions through the year.

He is survived by his wife, Gerrie Oakes Baker; two daughters, Sheree Wood and husband Charles and Teresa Russell, all of Buffalo; seven grandchildren, Katie Russell, Ashley May and husband Steven, Jay Russell, Matthew Wood, Angela Russell and husband Cody, Daniel Wood and wife Morgan, and Nathan Wood; and six great-grandchildren (and one on the way); numerous other relatives and friends and his beloved in-laws, the Oakes Family.

His parents, Dr. J. F. and Evelyn Baker; one sister, Beverly Baker Wallace; his father-in-law and motherin-law, Tommie and Hazel Oakes; one son-in-law, Kelly Russell; and very special family friend, Ethel Morrison, preceded Mr. Baker in death.

Visit www.bowersfuneralhome.net to sign the memorial guestbook or to leave a message for the family.

The Teague Chronicle

319 Main Street • P.O. Box 631
Teague, Texas 75860
Office: (254) 739-2141
Fax: (254) 739-2144