Darrell W. Baker

1929 - 2015

Darrell Wayne Baker of Friendswood passed away on November 27, 2015 at the age of 86. The son of Marion and Sadie Baker, Darrell was born on October 10 th of 1929, but historians generally agree that his birth played only a minor role in the stock-market crash later that month.

Though he played many roles and wore many hats in his life, it was in the red and white hat of Santa Claus that he will best be remembered; for more than twenty years, "Santa Darrell" brought holiday joy to countless children at Almeda Mall, the Galleria, and Baybrook Mall. Visit the home of a longtime Houston area family, and chances are you'll see Darrell smiling from a picture on the wall or mantel.

Darrell was also a top-flight dog breeder for more than 55 years and in 1988 his own Great Elms Prince Charming II became the first and only Pomeranian to win Best In Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show-- the most prestigious contest of its kind in the world. He also helped found the Pomeranian Club of Greater Houston in 1969, and was an active member for years thereafter.

As if this weren't enough, Darrell also served on the Deer Park City Council and worked over three decades as a production manager at ARMCO Steel.

He is survived by his daughters Jeri' Goldsmith and her husband Bobby of Friendswood and Toni Hodges of Friendswood; and by his beloved grandchildren Brittany Turner and her husband David Turner of Houston, Barrett Goldsmith of Los Angeles, and Baker Goldsmith and his husband Justin Smith of Houston. No story about Darrell Baker can be complete without mentioning the love of his life, Olga Moore Baker, to whom he was married for more than 65 wonderful years. Their love and devotion was an inspiration to all who knew them.

He will be missed by all those who knew him and spent time with him, even if only for a few minutes in December.

No service is planned at this time. Donations can be made in his name to the local Pomeranian Rescue Organization, secondchancepoms.org