Elijah Earl Baker

Elijah Earl Baker of Belton, Texas passed away, March 7, 2017 at the age of 89.  A longtime resident of Belton, “Earl” enjoyed his final years with his special and loving companion Robbie Jo Housewright until her passing in June of 2016.

Mr. Baker was born on July 26, 1927 in Coryell County, Texas on a farm near the Clear Creek community which is now a part of the Fort Hood Military Reservation.  Earl lost his parents Herbert and Henrietta Baker in his very early years and was raised by Joe and Norabell Williams who were Postal Carriers and lifelong residents of Killeen.

Earl, a Killeen Kangaroo was an exceptional athlete who played on the 1944 undefeated Killeen Champion High School football team.  Earl was drafted in 1945 into the Army Air Corp at the end of World War II.  His first assignment was in 1946 where he was sent to West Africa in a remote area to monitor fly over positions.  This was as World War II was winding down.  Military officials, learning of his athletic talents, transferred Earl to Germany where he played football for the Freising Panthers for three years before his knee injury in 1949.  Earl continued his involvement while coaching many successful all league teams in football, softball and basketball during his twenty years of military service.  One of his highlights included being a part of the first American football game for the Queen of England in 1947.

Earl married his sweetheart Osie Lee Watson of Belton.  They had two wonderful sons, Joe Earl Baker and Larry Dean Baker.  Earl lost Osie when she was just 61 years old.

Earl retired from the military in 1966 at Kelly Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas as an E-7.  With his family living in Poteet, Texas Earl and Osie dedicated their free time to the Poteet School System and Community.

Known as a motivator of youth, Earl coached little league, was an Explorer Scout Master, and a member of the scouting “Order of the Arrow”.  His community services were many including serving as Mayor of Poteet, Texas.

Earl and Osie returned to the Belton area in 1970.  Earl went to work with Wilson Art Company where he retired.

In 2004, Earl met his wonderful companion Robbie Jo Housewright who he enjoyed the remainder of his life with sharing many good times together and sharing many adventures.  After Robbie Jo’s passing in June of 2016, Earl was moved to Valley View Senior Living in Harlingen so that he could be close to his son, Joe Baker and daughter in law Anita Baker of Bayview.

Earl is survived by his son Joe Baker and daughter in law Anita Baker of Bayview.

Earl’s legacy of love for God, his country and humanity are still talked about by the many people who were touched by his optimism for life.

Gone….but not forgotten….is “Another” member of America’s Greatest Generation.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 10, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a Chapel Service to begin at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will follow at Rio Grande Valley Veterans Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. in Mission, Texas with full military honor services.  Arrangements are under the direction of San Benito Funeral Home 1400 W. US Hwy. 77, San Benito, Texas 78586, 956-361-9192.