Royce Phillip ‘Phil’ Baker

Royce Phillip (Phil) Baker, aged 72, affectionately known as Bepa/Boppa, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2020. He was born in 1947 in Dallas, Texas to Jim and Mary Baker who preceded him in death. He had no siblings, but very close cousins by the dozens. He spent many days fishing, hunting, and enjoying being in God’s great creation.

Phil is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jeanne Claire Baker. They met at the University of Texas in Austin and it was truly love at first sight. They have two wonderful daughters, Kelley Baker Hively and Caroline Baker Soldano, five outstanding grandchildren, River Soldano, Chandler Soldano, Jackson Hively, Jacob Hively, and his princess angel Emily Soldano. Phil was blessed with a bouncing great-granddaughter, Zaylee Soldano in 2019.

Phil was a Certified Public Accountant and with his parents built the largest local CPA firm in Dallas during the 1970s and 80s. In 1990, he left the accounting profession and led a telecommunications firm in Oklahoma. He retired in 2000 to come home to the Hill Country to be with his wife and family.

Phil was blessed to have 19 years to spend with his grandchildren watching them grow, have adventures with them in the outdoors, and attend their activities. He was very proud of their accomplishments and the young adults they have become.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Hospital for Children. Because of the current worldwide health crisis, Phil’s Celebration of Life will be postponed until it is safe to gather together. Please share your memories at https://kelleyhively.wixsite.com/philbaker.