CONFIRMED: Dennis Eugene Baker, Jr., Retired, Veteran, US Air Force, Operation Desert Storm (216-25) 14 Nov 25
2117 Harry Wurzbach Rd
San Antonio, TX 78209
USA
US AIR FORCE RETIRED VETERAN – OPERATION DESERT STORM
The family of Mr. Dennis Eugene Baker, Jr., a US Air Force (Ret.) Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
Dennis Eugene Baker, Jr. was born May 4, 1947, to Dennis Eugene Baker, Sr, and Martha Anna Pundt Baker. Dennis is survived by his daughters Staci Baker Dement and Carri Baker; son-in-law Darin Dement; grandchildren Connor Dement and Camryn Dement; sister Debra Baker Martínez; nephew Christopher Martinez; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and great friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Missy Baker, his parents, and siblings Doris Martella and Phillip Whitley.
Dennis grew up on the south side of San Antonio. He enjoyed palling around with buddies getting in trouble. He had a paper route and frequently helped his dad out at the Pure Ice Company. Dennis graduated from Harlandale High School in 1965. He was especially close with his best friend Don Yunger, who became his children’s godfather and whom he talked to most days up until the day that he passed.
Dennis was the first of his family to go to college and earn a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas State University with a major in biology, a minor in chemistry. He later went back to Southwest Texas and earned a master’s degree in public health.
While in college, Dennis joined the Texas Air National Guard and later Dennis enlisted in the Air Force where he trained as a military pharmacist. He retired after 28 years as a Senior Master Sergeant. He served during Operation Desert Storm, serving at Lackland Air Force base and Stuttgart Germany medical facilities. He enjoyed his time with the reserves and remained close to many of his “Air Force buddies” that he kept in touch with and continued to see on a regular basis.
Dennis had a lengthy and lauded career in public health. He started as a restaurant inspector in Houston and worked his way up to Bureau Chief of Food and Drug Safety for Texas Department of Health. He was highly active in regional and national organizations such as the American Food and Drug Officials (AFDO). He eventually served as president of AFDO which led to Dennis being recruited to apply for the position of Associate Commissioner of Regulatory Affairs of the FDA. Dennis was offered the position after a rigorous interview process that included senate approval and became ACRA in 1999. He received many awards and honors both with the FDA and with AFDO. He retired from the FDA as the Regional Director in October 2015.
Dennis stayed active in retirement. He was a very devoted spouse to his wife of 52 years, Missy, until she passed in 2023 and was an amazing father and grandfather who never missed a holiday, birthday, or sports event. Dennis enjoyed hunting on his family farm, was a gun enthusiast, and a Texas Longhorn and Dallas Cowboy fan (except for Jerry Jones.) He spent a significant amount of time volunteering and socializing with the American Legion post in Kingsland Texas where he served as the finance officer.
To quote a family friend, Kerry Huffman, Dennis was “Stoic, wicked smart, funny, loyal friend, fierce protector of his girls, wine lover, stubborn, proud Daddy and Grandpa, influencer, proud, loving…Dennis exuded all of these qualities. I am honored to have known him; he had such an impactful influence in my life since 3rd grade. We are very blessed to have so many cherished memories with him. We will miss his strength, knowledge and wisdom and especially his contagious goofy laugh.”
WEATHER: Hi 78 / Lo 64, 0 % Chance of Rain, 87 % Humidity, Wind: 6 mph S
REQUESTOR: Kevin Baker, Cousin
STAGING: 10:15 am, Friday, November 14, 2025
Ebb Tide Lounge
2117 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/4sMDzLt1L3RavAzh7
BRIEFING: 10:30 am
KSU: 10:50 am (Semper Gumby)
INTERMENT: 11:15 am – Shelter #2 (Call to Verify)
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/Q9DUsYSBUS92
RC: Lisa “Fancy Pants” Menard
pgr.lisamenard@gmail.com
FC: Alice “Cake Lady” Wagener
hwagener@sbcglobal.net
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.
2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.
At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.
If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.
Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223
“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers