Ernest Baker
Ernest Alexander “PaPa” Baker passed away into the arms of his Lord on Saturday morning at 2:30 a.m., March 16, 2019.
His services will be at Calvary Baptist Church on Highway 22 East, in Hamilton on Wednesday, March 20, at 2 p.m. with Rev. Andrew Sobities of Calvary Baptist Church and Riney Jordan of Clifton officiating.
Ernie was born in Ivan, Texas on Sept. 19, 1923, to Alexander Z. Baker and Nell Baker. He was one of nine children born to the Bakers. He was active in his high school and played football and sports. He left home at an early age and joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was a World War II vVeteran and very proud of serving his country all through his life.
He met the love of his life, Eulalia Florence Floyd, at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, and after nine years of going together, she finally said yes and they married. They made their home in Austin, and Ernie worked for University Typewriter Exchange, Maverick Clarke Stationers, Von Beckman Jones Co., J.C. Bair Co. and Crawford Penick Stationers and then retired. His wife retired from S.W. Bell as an executive of operations.
PaPa was a charter member of the National WWII Museum in New Orleans.
He moved to Hamilton from Austin in 2003 after his wife had a stroke and was moved to Dove Hill Nursing Home. PaPa stayed by her side until she passed away in his arms. They were married 49 years. He lived with Suzy and Reigh at their ranch in Shive until he bought his own home in Hamilton. After surviving a massive heart attack and stroke, he was homebound. The doctors at Providence said he only had two weeks to two months to live. He lived over two more years. When he could no longer live by himself, he moved to Hamilton Healthcare Nursing Home and lived there until he passed away.
He was a beloved example of leading with a wise, gentle sprit. We will miss him but know he has gained his reward. He said he had a good life and was ready to meet the Lord.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Nell Baker; his wife, Eulalia Florence Baker in 1999; brothers Don Baker and Herbert Baker; sisters Edna Wright, Genevieve James, Wilma Roche and Leanna Anderson; son Lt. Col. Ralph H. Floyd Jr.; son- in-law Reigh H. Thames; great-grandson Andrew Eugene Thames; and greatgranddaughters Elizabeth Grace May and Jessica Ann May.
Survivors include his daughter, Suzy Thames of Hamilton; faithful close friends he thought of as family Josephine Rogers and Francisco Carrillo of Gustine; nieces Janis Webber and husband John of San Antonio, Beth Falls and husband Mike of Austin and Nancy Mundt and husband Randy of Houston; grandchildren Darrell Thames of Austin, Brenda Wampler and husband Wayne of Cedar Park and Suzette May and husband David of San Saba; step-grandchildren Janet Johnson and husband Rick of Canyon Lake and Rebecca Beck and late husband Pat of Kyle; great-grandchildren Ernie Reigh Thames of Bastrop and wife Lyssa of Kyle, Terry Thames and wife Casey of Elgin, Sherilyn Hanna and husband Josh of Bastrop and Ethan Allen May, John Samuel May and Sarah Kate May, all of San Saba; and great-great-grandchildren Eulalia Sage and Cathrine Elizabeth Thames of Kyle, Taylor, Kaylee, Blake and Alex Thames of Elgin and Layton, Emmalynn and Barrett Andrew Hanna of Bastrop.
Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church.
Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
