Nathan Wayne Baker

Nathan Wayne Baker, 77, of Cedar Creek, was born on Oct. 13, 1945, in Rockdale, to Robert “Babe” Baker and Bertha (Nelson) Baker.

He g r a d uated from Rockdale High School in 1964 and joined the U.S. Nav y in 1966, where he served as a fire control technician (gunfire control) on the USS New Jersey (BB-62). Nathan served for three years during the Vietnam War, where he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service medal with 2 bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon and Combat Action Ribbon. He was honorably discharged in 1969 with the rank of petty officer second class.

Upon his discharge, Nathan moved back to Rockdale and worked at Alcoa during which he met Regena Gwen Hammett. They were married on Dec. 29, 1973, in Rockdale and moved to San Marcos so Nathan could attend Southwest Texas State University. He graduated in 1975 with a degree in aquatic biology.

Nathan worked for the Veteran’s Administration in Austin, as a mainframe systems programmer from 1981 until his retirement in 2012.

In his spare time, Nathan enjoyed watching his sons, granddaughters and extended family play youth sports such as baseball and soccer.

He was an avid gardener, and his award-winning tomatoes were beloved by family and friends alike.

He enjoyed classic rock, courtroom procedural dramas, coin collecting and bird watching.

Nathan passed away on at 3:24 p.m. Aug. 7 surrounded by his loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Mildred Luckey Baker; a brother, Don Baker; and a sister, Bobbie Moore.

Nathan is survived by his wife, Regena Baker of Cedar Creek; his sons, Trey Baker and wife Holly of Manor, Ryan Baker and wife Allison of Richardson; a sister, Elaine Tuttle of Bryan; granddaughters Claire and Emma Baker of Richardson; and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was a wonderful husband, brother, father, pawpaw and uncle, who will be missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home, P.O. Drawer 1417, Rockdale, TX 76567, 512-446-5454.