Merle Baker

Merle Eugene "Gene" Baker passed peacefully from this life on December 11, 2012. He was born on January 7, 1927 in Harlingen, Texas. Gene served in the United States Navy at the end of WWII, and again during the Korean conflict. While a student at the University of Houston, Gene met the love of his life, Irene Marie Talley. They married on August 20, 1948. Irene helped Gene graduate from college with an engineering degree, and he built an early career as an aerospace engineer. Gene and Irene had three children, and took their family on many road trips around the United States traveling by car and usually pitching a tent somewhere in a state or national park. His appreciation of God's beautiful creation is shared by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. What a wonderful gift. Life led Gene through several careers, and when he finally retired from the working world at Tranter Manufacturing he was fondly referred to as "Mr. Superchanger." Retirement opened up a new world for Gene, and he and Irene traveled extensively both at home and abroad. Irene's sister Wynona Durham was their traveling companion, and the three of them had some amazing adventures. They loved meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures. One of his favorite trips was to the Isle of Man in the UK, where he discovered his family name on the wall of a local church. At home, Gene was always busy with remodeling projects and gardening - usually assigned to him from Irene's "honey-do" list. Watching Gene and Irene work on projects often provided entertainment to anyone fortunate enough to witness the process, and their daughter often joked that she could get rich by selling tickets to watch. Gene loved music, and would drive miles to hear a good barbershop quartet or an Irish tenor. He and Irene sang duets in church and were always a part of the church choir. The heavenly choir now has a new member. Gene is survived by his wife of 64 years, son Eugene Scott (Cheryl) Baker, daughter Georganne (William) Payne, daughter Jeanmarie (Clint) Crater, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. He will be laid to rest December 14, 2012 at New Hope Cemetery in Mexia, Texas. The family requests memorials be made to a charity of choice.