Lester “Lanny” Leonard Baker Jr.

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Lester “Lanny” Leonard Baker, Jr., of Yoakum, formerly of Gonzales, passed away Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014. Lanny was born Aug. 24, 1958 in Gonzales to Lester Leonard Baker Sr. and Sylvia Rhodes Baker. Lanny was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Gonzales, he had been very active in the Gonzales County Young Farmers Association where he had served as the organization’s President, he was also a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows and had been the President of the Ebenezer Cemetery Association. He was a member of the Gonzales High School graduating class of 1976.

Lanny was a dynamic participant in his church and community. He had touched the lives of many people in the course of his service to others. He had a way of making everybody family, welcoming many into his life and him into the lives of others. He loved helping children with their stock show projects and he was always there to support and encourage them. He cherished the opportunity to work outdoors, to work with his hands and with heavy equipment; he loved being a farmer/rancher. He was proud to carry on the traditions of working and managing the farm which had been in his family for generations. He maintained a sense of pride and accepted the responsibility of keeping the farm operational and lucrative. Lanny loved riding his horses and just caring for them when riding became problematic. His father was his idol, best friend and role model, the goodness of this relationship drove Lanny to follow his father’s path and surely the beaming light of his father’s approval made the glorious light of heaven shine even brighter.

Lanny was a very loving, gentle and generous father, he would do anything for his children. He was tender and loving to his mother as he looked after her needs after his father passed away. When time permitted, Lanny loved to hunt and enjoyed camping with his children. There was so much love in Lanny.  He fought a gallant battle with cancer, he was courageous and his faith in God and love of family gave him the will to fight and never give up … and Lanny never did.

Lanny Baker is survived by his daughters, Katye Swiful and her husband Channing of Yoakum, Lanna Baker of Weatherford; and his sister, Terry Nelson and her husband Dan of Gonzales. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 in the Gonzales First United Methodist Church with Pastor Andy Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Ebenezer Cemetery. Pallbearers include: Angel Leon, Darrel Catchings, Brent Mitchell, Clay Baker, Gary Meyer and Gary Baker. Honorary Pallbearers include: Dan Nelson, Shane Baker and John Baker. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Gonzales First United Methodist Church, Ebenezer Cemetery or the charity of one’s choice. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.

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