Dennis Eugene Baker

Dennis Eugene Baker, Jr. was born May 4, 1947, to Dennis Eugene Baker, Sr and Martha Anna Pundt Baker. Dennis is survived by his daughters Staci Baker Dement and Carri Baker; son-in-law Darin Dement; grandchildren Connor Dement and Camryn Dement; sister Debra Baker Martínez; nephew Christopher Martinez; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and great friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Missy Baker, his parents, and siblings Doris Martella and Phillip Whitley.

Dennis grew up on the south side of San Antonio. He enjoyed palling around with buddies getting in trouble. He had a paper route and frequently helped his dad out at the Pure Ice Company. Dennis graduated from Harlandale High School in 1965. He was especially close with his best friend Don Yunger, who became his children's godfather and whom he talked to most days up until the day that he passed.

Dennis was the first of his family to go to college and earn a bachelor's degree from Southwest Texas State University with a major in biology, a minor in chemistry. He later went back to Southwest Texas and earned a master's degree in public health.

While in college, Dennis joined the Texas Air National Guard and later Dennis enlisted in the Air Force where he trained as a military pharmacist. He retired after 28 years as a Senior Master Sergeant. He served during Operation Desert Storm, serving at Lackland Air Force base and Stuttgart Germany medical facilities. He enjoyed his time with the reserves and remained close to many of his "Air Force buddies" that he kept in touch with and continued to see on a regular basis.

Dennis had a lengthy and lauded career in public health. He started as a restaurant inspector in Houston and worked his way up to Bureau Chief of Food and Drug Safety for Texas Department of Health. He was highly active in regional and national organizations such as the American Food and Drug Officials (AFDO). He eventually served as president of AFDO which led to Dennis being recruited to apply for the position of Associate Commissioner of Regulatory Affairs of the FDA. Dennis was offered the position after a rigorous interview process that included senate approval and became ACRA in 1999. He received many awards and honors both with the FDA and with AFDO. He retired from the FDA as the Regional Director in October 2015.

Dennis stayed active in retirement. He was a very devoted spouse to his wife of 52 years, Missy, until she passed in 2023 and was an amazing father and grandfather who never missed a holiday, birthday, or sports event. Dennis enjoyed hunting on his family farm, was a gun enthusiast, and a Texas Longhorn and Dallas Cowboy fan (except for Jerry Jones.) He spent a significant amount of time volunteering and socializing with the American Legion post in Kingsland Texas where he served as the finance officer.

To quote a family friend, Kerry Huffman, Dennis was "Stoic, wicked smart, funny, loyal friend, fierce protector of his girls, wine lover, stubborn, proud Daddy and Grandpa, influencer, proud, loving...Dennis exuded all of these qualities. I am honored to have known him, he had such an impactful influence in my life since 3rd grade. We are very blessed to have so many cherished memories with him. We will miss his strength, knowledge and wisdom and especially his contagious goofy laugh."

Dennis will be interred at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX on November 14, 2025 at 11:15 am. It is located at 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, TX 78209.

A celebration of life will be the following day on November 15, 2025 at 2 pm at the American Legion Hall in Kingsland,TX. This is located at 138 Legion Loop Kingsland, TX 78639.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Legion post 437. Dennis really believed in the mission of the post to help veterans and children in the community, and it was a great support to him. You can mail checks to PO Box 48 Kingsland, TX 78639 or if you prefer to donate electronically, we can provide you with a QR code that will link you to their donation page.