OBITUARY: Dewey Mack Baker, 87, of Llano dies Nov. 16, 2013
Dewey Mack Baker passed away peacefully Nov. 16, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. He was 87 years old.
Born on July 22, 1926, in Abilene, Texas, Dewey was the eldest son of the Ruby and Joe Baker. He attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, on a football scholarship, earned a Bachelor of Science in physical education and was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.
He later continued his education, earning a master’s degree in administrative education at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas.
Part of the “Greatest Generation,” at the age of 17, he proudly enlisted to serve his country in the U.S. Marine Corps, 1st Platoon B Company, 26th Regiment, 5th Division. He landed at Iwo Jima on Feb. 20, 1945.
Dewey enjoyed a long, rewarding career as a coach and an educator. He held many positions in cities across Texas, the most notable as superintendent of Johnson City Independent School District. Two of his greatest joys were serving for 30 years as a Texas Relays official and as an official for the track-and-field events of the Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympics.
Among his many interests and hobbies were sports, hunting, fishing and ranching. He had a larger-than-life personality and a lively storytelling ability and was affectionately known by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as “Big Daddy.”
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sallye Baker of Llano; two children, Frances Kurio of Austin and Boyd Baker and wife Karla of Spicewood; five grandchildren, Jacquelyn Pienciak and husband Brian of Dallas, Caroline Kurio of Austin, Rebecca McKenna and husband Lee of Colorado Springs, Colo., Kara Baker of Austin and Bailey Baker of Austin; two great-grandchildren, Katelyn and Lane of Colorado Springs, Colo.; sisters, Gayle Ragland of Austin and Joline Wiley of Kenedy; brother-in-law, Andy Smith and wife Betty of Llano; sister-in-law, Gladys Meeks of Port Lavaca; and many nieces, nephews, friends and family, whom he loved.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Charles Baker.
A celebration of Dewey’s life is 10 a.m. Nov. 19 at Putnam Funeral Home, 145 Texas Ave. in Kingsland, (325) 388-0008. Pastor Bobby Galyon will officiate. Go to www.putnamcares.com to sign an online guest register.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Llano County EMS, 200 W. Ollie St., Llano, TX 78643; the Llano County Historical Society and Museum, 310 Bessemer Ave., Llano, TX 78643; or a charity of your choice.