Hugh Baker
Hugh Baker passed peacefully with is family by his side on Saturday, May 28, 2022. Friday, 10:30 AM June 3, the Hugh’s family invites you to attend a Funeral Mass at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 3131 El Dorado Blvd, Houston, TX 77059 (https://stclarehouston.org) follow by a reception.
Hugh was born June 26, 1930, in St. Louis, MO, to Lyle Baker and Mary Cumberland. He was raised in Wood River, IL, along with siblings Lee, Barbara, Inez, and John. He moved to New Orleans in 1948 to study medicine where he met the love of his life, Joyce Rosanna Weil, whom he married on November 29, 1952. Hugh switched his studies from medicine to Geology graduating with a Bachelor of Science from Millsaps College and then with a Masters from Louisiana State University (LSU). He was drafted into the US Army in 1955 where he served for 2 years in the Counter Intelligence Corps (CIC) in Charolette, NC.
Hugh worked in oil exploration with companies Humble Oil, Texaco, Exxon, and others and founded his own oil exploration consulting company. His geology work moved him to New Orleans, Lafayette, and finally brought him to Texas in 1974 where the family settled in Clear Lake.
Hugh’s passion was singing. He sang all the time: eating breakfast, going to the grocery store, driving in the car, everywhere, all the time. He participated in church choirs, sang Barber Shop, and was a member of Clear Creek Country Theater where he performed in musicals such as South Pacific, The Mikado, The King and I, and others. He also performed in the chorus in the College of the Mainland performance of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. He sang with the Bay Area Chorus and the Notables. He also performed in plays, one of which was To Kill a Mockingbird.
Hugh is survived by his wife Joyce, daughter Lee Ann Rodgers, son Hugh Richard Baker Jr. (Rick) and daughter-in-law Susan Euker, grandchildren Cameron Rodgers, Justin Rodgers, Tiffany Baker, and David Baker. Hugh is preceded in death by his daughter Mary Baker who died shortly after birth.
Hugh was deeply loved by his family and friends and is greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Brookwood Community which supports people with autism and other developmental disabilities.
I have great memories of my Aunt Joyce and Uncle Hugh.
I visited Texas from my home in New Orleans and then in Denver Colorado on many occasions. I ALWAYS loved our visit and of course there hospitality.
I SAY TAKE THE TIME AND SMELL THE ROSES!!
I know my Uncle Hugh and my Aunt Joyce did.
Sincerely/LOVE
Brian Brewster
I’ve known the Bakers for many years. They have been active in many groups in Clear Lake. Hugh was well known in many singing groups. He was a very fun guy. He and Joyce had been married for a long time and had a full life of travel and socialising. They were very active in their church, too.
Joyce and Hugh were such lovely, lovely people. We attended many masses and other activities at St. Clare of Assisi together. Church Mass and other activities have totally resumed now and I grew concerned as I did not see them often. I want Joyce and family to remember how I so enjoyed being with them at all activities. Joyce, I am here for you.
Hugh’s character and stature were a big presence to all. Filled with love and song and almost 70 years of marriage, Hugh and Joyce truly enjoyed life.
Through the last years of medical challenges, devoted family were constantly by his side, personifying love at its finest.
God’s peace to you all, may you be comforted by Hugh’s citizenship with our Father God, blessed by the glory of His gift of salvation.