Richard Carl Baker, 92, of Brenham, TX, returned to his Lord and Savior on January 11, 2025. Richard was born July 25, 1932, to Samuel Carl and Sarah Ethel (Tracy) Baker, in Kittanning, PA. Richard grew up in Kittanning, graduating from Kittanning High School. He attended Gettysburg College, earning a Bachelor in Philosophy before entering Gettysburg Seminary. He was ordained a Lutheran minister in 1959 and celebrated his first service at his home parish, St. John’s Lutheran Church. He served parishes in Shippenville, PA, and Monroeville, PA, before entering the military as a U.S. Army Chaplain in 1967.
Richard served in the military for 24 years, both active and reserve, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. In 1969, he served in Korea as an Infantry Division Field Artillery Chaplain. In 1971, he served in the Vietnam War as a Military Assistance Command Chaplain. In 1991, he was called back to active duty for Dessert Storm, serving at Fort Bragg, NC, as a Family Support Chaplain. During his military career he served as Chaplain at several United States mainland Army bases. After leaving active military duty, Richard obtained a Master’s in Behavioral Science from the University of Houston. Thereafter, he continued to serve the Lutheran Church through various assignments.
Upon retirement, he and Marjorie were involved in Habitat for Humanity, participating internationally as well as in the Brenham Habitat Chapter for 10 years. They also very much enjoyed their volunteer work for the Houston International Seafarers Center.
Richard is survived by his wife of 33 years, Marjorie Wilke-Baker; son, Nathan (Ann) Baker of Loomis, CA, and daughter Karen (Jody) King of Kittanning, PA; brother, Frank Baker of Elderton, PA, and sister, Dorothy Pesta of Greenville, SC; grandchildren, Ben (Rebecca) Baker of Nottingham, MD, Sam Baker of Chicago, IL, Amanda Baker of Chicago, IL, James Baker a student in St. Louis, MO, and Moriah King a student in Pensacola, FL; and great-grandchildren Caleb and Jemma Baker.
He is preceded in death by his parents and son, David Carl Baker, sister-in-law Mary Baker, and brother-in-law, Richard Pesta.
The Memorial Service was held on Wednesday, January 15, 2024 at 10:00am at Christ Lutheran Church, 1104 Carlee Dr. in Brenham, TX. A memorial/burial service will be held at St. Johns in Kittanning, PA, at a future date, yet to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church; or USO, PO Box 76860, Washington D.C.; or a charity of your choice.
Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Share condolences at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com.
