Gwendel Baker

The unique name of Gwendel was suggested by his grandmother. His friends called him "Gwen". He was born in Mexia, Texas to Gustaves T. Baker and Lela Bell Heath. When Gwen was five years of age, a brother, Calvin D. Baker, joined the family.\r\n\r\nFollowing a number of moves in Texas, the family moved to Dallas. Gwen graduated from Forest Avenue High School, and attended Arlington State College, UT-Austin, SMU and the UT-Dallas.\r\n\r\nHis Planning career began with the City of Dallas. He became a Planner for the City of Garland, spending nearly 20 years, culminating his career as Zoning Administrator. As a second career he became a licensed massage therapist.\r\n\r\nHe married Mary Anne Coan in 1974 and helped raise her daughter, Karen, and son, Carl. He is survived by Karen and husband. David Taffinder, and Carl Coan and wife, Laura, grandchildren Tiffany Harber, Kendyl Coan, J. P. and Ben Abbott. He was very proud of the adults that Karen and Carl became. Anne told him repeatedly over the years how much she appreciated the father he was to her children. \r\n\r\nHis hobbies and interests were many and varied. He enjoyed ballroom, round and square dancing; tending camp fires, traveling, attending star parties with the Dallas Astronomical Society, and proudly described climbing to the top of the Temple of the Moon at Teotihuacan in Mexico. He related to the red path, participated in sweat lodges and drumming circles. His music interests were wide-ranging; classical, opera, Western, and a favorite song by the Beatles, "Imagine". He was an avid reader and never without at least one book, and at times reading as many as three. He had a quick wit and enjoyed puns.\r\n\r\nGwen sustained life-long friendships dating back to high school, college, and former room mates. There were three Bob's, one remains. Birthdays, Christmas, New Year's Eve and New Year's ballgames were celebrated together. He was an avid sports fan. He loved soccer, the Dallas Cowboys and after moving to the Hill Country became a fan of the Spurs. \r\n\r\nGwen and Anne happily moved to Kerrville in l998, and they agreed it was the best thing they could have done. He enjoyed designing the landscaping and home improvements.\r\n\r\nHe was initiated and raised in 1999 into the Kerrville Masonic Lodge No. 697, and was a member of Unity Church of the Hill Country.\r\n\r\nDonations in Gwen's memory may be made to the Unity Church of the Hill Country, 1016 Jefferson Street, Kerrville, Texas 78028.\r\n\r\nThere will be a private family celebration and remembrance at a later date.\r\n