Donnel Lee Baker

Donnel Lee Baker, 84, of Beeville, Texas, passed away at home on April 22, 2025, in Beeville. Born on April 17, 1941, in Brownwood, Texas, Donnel lived a life marked by faith, service, and dedication to his family and community. His energy led us all to believe he would live past one hundred. 

A proud graduate of Brownwood High School, Donnel went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1963. Stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado, he received an Honorable Character of Service that reflected his steadfast commitment and integrity.

In 1981, Donnel earned his Outboard Motor Training Certification and launched a successful career as a business owner. He established and operated his own outboard motor business, “The Boat Doctor”, in Port O’Connor, Texas from 1981 until 1999. Despite there being no water on Lake Corpus Christi, he put his trust in God  and relocated the business and home in Beeville, Texas. It rained that year, and he was blessed to continue serving customers with skill and dedication until 2024.

Donnel was deeply devoted to his Christian faith and served faithfully in many roles within his church. His contributions included opening the church doors each Sunday morning, preparing the baptismal for services, and fulfilling numerous other duties as needed. Over the years he served as a deacon, song leader, Sunday School teacher, Youth Pastor, and sound/video manager—roles that reflected both his servant’s heart and unwavering devotion to ministry.

He found great joy in spending time outdoors and pursuing hobbies such as water skiing, woodworking, fishing, coaching softball and loved racing. Whether guiding young athletes or crafting something with his hands, Donnel brought passion and purpose to everything he did. He loved to talk, joke and never met a stranger! 

Donnel recently married and absolutely adored Judy Gray Baker. He was also a devoted father to two daughters, Audrey (Jake) Huddleston and Melissa (Kenneth) Lynch; Also known as “PawPaw”, he loved his grandkids Anthony Gonzales, Easton Gonzales, Avery Huddleston, Brooke Carrera, Isaiah Carrera, Ty Lynch, Justin Lynch and Kelsey Lynch; and a proud great-grandfather to nine great-grandchildren. He will be tremendously missed, especially by his identical twin brother Ronnel (Nikki) Baker. He also has an older sister Bennie Pierce; and many others whose lives he touched through friendship and faith.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Janice Elaine Baker of 54 years; his mother, Melba Starkey Baker; father, Humphres E. Baker and youngest sister Janet Mead.

A funeral service honoring Donnel’s life will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Beeville Baptist Church located at 710 E. Bowie Street in Beeville. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM prior to the service. Flowers may be delivered to the church that morning. Refreshments will be served following the service. A short graveside ceremony with military honors will be held at the Olivia Cemetery in Calhoun County, Texas at 2pm.

Serving as pallbearers are Anthony Gonzales, Easton Gonzales, Avery Huddleston, Isaiah Carrera, Ty Lynch and Justin Lynch. Honorary pallbearers are Brooke Carrera and Kelsey Lynch.

Donnel Lee Baker leaves behind a legacy of love for God, family and friends- a life lived with purpose and grace. May his memory bring comfort and hope to all who knew him.                                        

Our family wishes to thank Pastor Stowe and the wonderful Beeville Baptist Church family for loving our daddy, Judy and mother unconditionally! 

OAK PARK MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL

BEEVILLE, TEXAS

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