Gillespie Parish Baker

Gillespie Parish “Bud” Baker, Jr., 94, of Georgetown, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025. Bud was born on January 6, 1931, in McAllen, Texas to Esther Vale Baker and Gillespie Parish Baker, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Priscilla, sister Esther, daughter Lynn, son Leland, daughter-in-law Sarah, son-in-law Patrick, and multiple grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father in 1978, mother in 2007, and his beloved son Lloyd in 2013. 

Bud graduated from St. Edwards High School in Austin, Texas in 1949 and served two years in the United States Army before utilizing the G.I. Bill earned towards his Bachelor of Arts from St. Edwards University in 1956. He worked as an elementary school teacher in California for several years before returning to Texas in 1960 where he continued work as an instructor for several schools and with the Texas Education Agency. In 1974 he earned his Master of Education from the University of Texas in Austin. For the next few decades he was a teacher and administrator at Edinburg High School, Pan American University, Pflugerville High School, Big Spring High School, and Kermit High School. He was also Superintendent of Pawnee Independent School District, in Pawnee, Texas. His last stint in education was as the Superintendent of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Beeville, Texas, where he took no salary and volunteered his time. After retirement, Bud and his wife moved to Georgetown in 2016.

Bud was an avid beekeeper, calligrapher, barbecue chef, and collector of antique pocket watches. His passion for learning, zest for living, and wry, bottomless wit were an inspiration to his many lifelong friends, adoring family, and innumerable students over a 50-year career in the school business. 

Bud was dearly loved, and will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to your local Catholic Church.

A memorial service for family was held August 6 at his resting place, Our Lady of the Rosary Cemetery in Georgetown, Texas.