Thomas Lewis Baker

Thomas Lewis “Tommy” Baker 

October 1, 1949 – October 28, 2025

Thomas Lewis Baker passed away on October 28, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on October 1, 1949, in Houston, Texas, to Nelda and Bryan Baker Sr., Tommy was the youngest of three children.

After graduating from Bellaire High School in 1968, Tommy went on to attend Texas A&M University and later graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1972. While he grew up playing baseball, it was during high school that he discovered his lifelong passion for rodeo love that would shape much of his life and the lives of those around him.

On January 20, 1973, Tommy married his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth Keeling, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Houston. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. Tommy began his career with the Texas Department of Agriculture before joining Blue Bell Creameries.

Tommy was deeply involved with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where he served on multiple committees and later proudly became a lifetime member. His love for rodeo was surpassed only by his love and devotion to his family. Every spare moment was spent supporting his children, Andy and Stephanie helping them in the practice arena, driving up and down the highway every weekend and supporting them at youth and high school rodeos. When his kids weren’t in the arena, Tommy was still right there helping out in the alleyway, the roping pens, or anywhere he could pitch in.

In later years, Tommy’s greatest joy came from his grandchildren. He could always be found at their games, events, and activities, smiling proudly and telling anyone who would listen just how special they were to him.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Nelda and Bryan Baker Sr.; his in-laws, Webster and Jo Anne Keeling; his brother, Bryan Baker Jr.; and his granddaughter, Quinn Elizabeth Burttschell.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Elizabeth Keeling Baker; his son Andy Baker and wife Tara; his daughter Stephanie Burttschell and husband Brad; and his beloved grandchildren Wyatt Baker, Jackson Burttschell, Brady Burttschell, Pierce Burttschell, and Harper Burttschell. He also leaves behind his sister Jane Baker Eleuterius and husband Lloyd, brother-in-law Todd Keeling and wife Becky, sister-in-law Hasha Baker, and numerous nieces and nephews who he cherished deeply.

Tommy Baker will be remembered for his unwavering love for family, his dedication to the rodeo community, and the countless lives he touched.