Larry James Baker passed away at his ranch home in San Saba, Texas, on May 14, 2025. He was born to James Arvel Baker and Ruth Hogue Baker on December 16, 1949, in Dallas, Texas, and spent most of youth in Arlington, Texas, graduating from Arlington High School. He met his future wife, Donna Blackford, in high school, and they married on December 23, 1970.
After attending the University of Texas at Arlington and working for both Southwest and Delta Airlines, he prepared for a long career in the construction industry building homes, hotels, medical clinics, and many other projects.
Larry loved his work and developed a true appreciation of the outdoors and ranching from his family by marriage. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, snow skiing, and cooking for family and friends.
His strong belief in helping others led to a long association with the Boy Scouts of America, volunteering to build many facilities and the ranger’s home at Worth Ranch Boy Scout Camp and the Scout Facility at his church in Arlington. He was a Scout leader, advisor for Eagle Scout projects, and organized and led multiple canoe and portage trips over the many lakes of Canada’s Quetico boundary waters. Despite receiving many awards for his work with the Boy Scouts, Larry’s most treasured one was a canoe paddle with all the boys’ names burned into it.
After retiring, Larry and Donna moved to their place in San Saba county and were kept busy raising cattle, goats, and sheep. Larry continued to volunteer his building experience for Mission San Saba and Hunters for Heroes. He valued his family and many friends.
Larry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Donna Baker; his son, Russ Baker and family (Shandi Hall; Max, Jax, Knox, Durst, and Ryker Williams); daughter Brooke Chadwick and family (grandchildren Liam and Kenna Chadwick); grandson, Alex Baker and family (Maria Asencio and great-grandchildren River and Summit Baker); sister, Kathy Moore; and brother, Tony Baker.
Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home in San Saba.