OBITUARY: Kathryn Ann Baker Clements, 83, of Burnet dies March 22, 2014
Surrounded by loved ones, Kathryn Ann Baker Clements was called to her special place in Heaven on March 22, 2014. A proud native of Austin, Texas, Kathryn was born March 4, 1931, and graduated from Austin High.
Kathryn loved calling Central Texas her home and boasting of the beauty of Texas wildflowers, lakes and the University of Texas.
While working at Austin’s landmark department store Scarborough’s, Kathryn frequented Gene Johnson’s Gulf Gas Station, where she captured the heart of Glenn Baker with her never-ending beauty and a smile that lit up every room she entered. On Sept. 18,1949, Kathryn and Glenn were wed. Their marriage produced five wonderful children: Stephen, Byron, Glenda, Curtis and Kevin. The Bakers made their home in Louisiana.
In 1969, after the untimely and unexpected death of Glenn, Kathryn moved with her five children to Burnet, Texas. Being a loving and nurturing mother to her five children was Kathryn’s greatest joy in life, and she beamed with pride at the accomplishments, extraordinary parents and great people that each of her children became. Kathryn was truly her children’s greatest fan, and the feeling was indeed mutual as her children all knew Kathryn was the foundation for the opportunities and successes that were presented in their own lives.
Kathryn had a passion for cooking, and her creations were greatly anticipated, enjoyed and welcomed by all. “What did Kathryn make?” was a frequent question at gatherings, and her children and grandchildren were quick to request their favorite dishes.
After raising her children, Kathryn married Gene Clements on April 5, 1982, and expanded her family to include Gene’s two daughters, Mary Gene and Pam.
Kathryn could captivate all with a good animated story of her many travel adventures around the world, but it was her love and devotion to her family that was her greatest gift that she not only gave but also received. The same devotion and love she gave her children, she also showered on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Traits cherished most by her grandchildren were her wit, charm and never-ending strength that kept her family tightly glued together.
Kathryn will be greatly missed by all. Without a doubt, she left her positive light and mark in this life that will be remembered in the legacy she leaves behind with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Kathryn was preceded in death by her mother, Amelia Shirley; stepfather, Newton Shirley; father, Melvin Howell, two brothers Merle and Bill Howell; and husbands, Glenn Baker and Gene Clements.
Kathryn is survived by her loving sister, Barbara Hill of Irvine, Calif.; sons, Stephen Baker and wife Ann of Austin, Byron Baker and wife Kyla of Houston, Curtis Baker and wife Lara of Pflugerville and Kevin Baker of Burnet; daughters, Glenda Baker of Houston, Mary Gene and husband Dale Wepfer of Omaha, Neb., and Pam Clements of Austin; grandchildren, Cheyenne Baker, Lauren Creeden, Cole Baker, Beau Baker and Cameron Baker, all of Austin, Blake and Roslyn Baker of Rustin, La., Colin Baker, Travis and Nicolle Baker of Houston, Kaylea and Kainoa Kaaihili of Hawaii, Kathryn “Katie” Baker of Nacogdoches, Justin Baker of England, Stacy &and Terry Torneten of Harlan, Iowa, and Chris and Shaela Wepfer of Omaha, Neb.; great-grandchildren, Cody and Grace Creeden, Paige and Peyton Baker, Kiai’ Kaaihili, Glenn Baker, Eric and Carly Torneten and Elizabeth and Ben Wepfer; along with many nieces and nephews and special friends Lexey Griggs, Cyndi Joseph, Bette Roberts and her Burnet Presbyterian Church family.
Special thanks to Biddie Metzler, Cricket Brannon, Sandy and Don Everett, “Mac” McElroy and Jayme Worley for all the extra support through this difficult time.
Visitation is 6-8 p.m. March 27 at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 306 Texas 29 East in Burnet, (512) 756-2222. A service is 10 a.m. March 28 at the Burnet Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Susan Liljestrand officiating. Interment will follow at Mahomet Cemetery in Mahomet.
The family has asked that memorials in memory of Kathryn be made to Burnet Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 126, Burnet, TX 78611; the Mahomet Cemetery Association, ℅ Ron Johnson, 12227 FM 243 East, Bertram, TX 78605; or the charity of your choice.
Pallbearers are grandsons Beau Baker, Blake Baker, Cole Baker, Colin Baker, Cameron Baker, Travis Baker, Justin Baker, Chris Wepfer and Terry Torneten.
Friends and family are invited to share thoughts and memories with the family by visiting www.clementswilcoxburnet.com.