Frank William Baker

Frank William Baker passed away peacefully in San Antonio, Texas, on December 6, 2024.  He was born on August 12, 1950, to Herbert Walter Baker and Faye Runelle Block Baker in Georgetown, Texas.  Of note, his mother worked as city editor on the Georgetown newspaper the Williamson County Sun for many years in the ’70s and ’80s.

He is survived by an older brother, Richard Walter Baker, of Sun City, Georgetown, Texas, and a younger sister in California. His ashes will be delivered to the Cadillac/LaSalle Museum in Michigan for placement in the trunk of his beloved ’65 Cadillac Deville.

Frank overcame physical and cultural challenges in early life to become a teacher, professional, artist and adventurer.  His passions for nature, photography, travel, cars and equality guided him through a well-rounded life, well lived.  His dedication to nature, and helping others were driving forces, exemplified by his wish for contributions in his memory to support those causes.

Gratitude for his friendship, and appreciation for his life, would be most appreciated.

Remembrances and donations, please, to the following:

• Cadillac & LaSalle Club Museum & Research Center Inc.
6865 Hickory Road
Hickory Corners, MI 49060

• National Butterfly Center
3333 Butterfly Park Drive
Mission, TX 78572

• San Antonio AIDS Foundation – SAAF
818 E. Grayson St
San Antonio, TX 78208
210-225-4715

Frank excelled academically.  Graduating with a double major in English and Math from Southwest Texas University, he taught math from 1972-1975. In 1976, he began a 26-year career at USAA, where he developed many first in-class analytical initiatives. His successful career enabled him to pursue other passions.

From 1973 through 2016, he visited more than 22 countries and major islands.  He made hundreds of friends, took thousands of photographs (~35,000), and created countless good memories.  His photographs were published in Malaysia and in San Antonio by the San Antonio Botanical Gardens.

Frank also loved cars. He bought his first car, a ’62 Corvair 500, working for 50 cents an hour.  Subsequently, he owned 15 cars, including classic Cadillacs.  He donated his much-loved ’65 black Hardtop Cadillac to the Cadillac Museum in Michigan.

Frank’s legacy included promotion of equality. At a time when inclusiveness was not a cultural norm, Frank helped create enlightened policy, evolve cultural norms, and support access to expanded resource information for the LGBTQ community.

At age 73, Frank was diagnosed with terminal cancer.  He refused invasive treatment.  He was admitted to an experimental drug treatment program with the hope his participation would advance treatment for others.