H.R. No. 164
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Lago Vista lost a beloved member of its community
with the passing of John Russell Baker on January 25, 2025, at the
age of 64; and
WHEREAS, Born on December 21, 1960, John Baker was the proud
father of two sons, Austin and Alec; he enjoyed a rewarding career
as a failure analyst at Motorola that spanned more than three and a
half decades; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Baker moved to Lago Vista in 2016 and opened a
barbecue business with his son, Alec, the following year; the
Baker's Brisket food trailer in Lago Vista became a local landmark,
winning the loyalty of countless area residents, and a
brick-and-mortar location, Baker's Brisket Company, was opened in
Jonestown in October 2024; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Baker volunteered at a number of barbecue events
across the state, and he was a fixture at the annual Barbecue Summer
Camp at Texas A&M University; in addition, he gave back to his
community by offering holiday meals to those in need, supporting
local athletic teams, and participating in town halls and meetings
with civic officials; he was also an active member of the North Lake
Travis Chamber of Commerce; among his many achievements, he
received the chamber's 2019 Business of the Year Award and 2022
Member of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, John Baker earned the admiration of all who knew
him, not only for his success as a restaurateur and businessman but
also for his exceptional warmth and generosity, and he will be
deeply missed; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of John Russell Baker
and extend heartfelt sympathy to the members of his family: to his
sons, Austin and Alec; to his "bonus mom," Mary Jo Baker; to his
brother, Bob Baker; to his sister, Michelle Niemeyer, and her
husband, Travis; and to his other relatives and many friends; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of John Baker.
Troxclair
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 164 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 6, 2025.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House