Isaac Freeman Baker Sr.

The Life and Legacy of Isaac Freeman Baker, Sr.

Isaac Freeman Baker Sr. was born on October 13, 1940, in Washington County, Texas, to Charlie and Loreda Wilburn Baker. The youngest of seven children, Isaac was blessed to grow up surrounded by love, faith, and the enduring values of hard work and dedication. In 1947, his family moved to Houston, Texas, seeking a brighter future, a journey that would pave the way for his extraordinary contributions to education, athletics, and community service.

A proud graduate of Booker T. Washington Junior-Senior High School, Isaac embodied excellence from an early age. He was a natural leader, serving as class president and an active member of the Gents, Marquis, National Honor Society, and various campus organizations. A gifted athlete, he excelled on the football field and track, all while maintaining an impressive academic standing. Ranked fourth in his class, his commitment to both academics and athletics earned him the prestigious Jessie H. Jones Scholarship, enabling him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at Prairie View A&M University,

which he completed in 1965. He continued his studies with advanced coursework at PVAMU and Texas Southern University.

Isaac’s 38-year career as an educator and coach left an indelible mark on every institution he served. Affectionately known as "Coach Baker," he began teaching at M.C. Williams Junior-Senior High School in 1965, where his passion for mentorship and dedication to his students’ success quickly became evident. Over the years, his journey took him to Jeff Davis High School, Booker T. Washington High School, Albert Thomas Middle School, Mount Carmel High School, and Kashmere Gardens Senior High School. While at Booker T. Washington, he nurtured young leaders as the founder and sponsor of the Presidents’ Club,

embodying the values of perseverance, respect, and selflessness.

Even after his formal retirement, Isaac’s commitment to shaping young lives remained steadfast. His influence extended far beyond the classroom and field, as he inspired generations to strive for excellence, live with integrity, and never lose sight of their potential.

Isaac was a man of many interests and passions. He found joy in gardening, fishing with his sisters, cheering on his favorite sports teams, and traveling with his family on cruises. These moments of leisure and togetherness reflected his love for life and the deep connections he cherished with his loved ones.

Isaac was also a pillar of faith. A lifelong member of Greater Ward AME Church, he served as trustee protem and exemplified the teachings of Christ through his unwavering service to others. He enriched his community as a member of numerous organizations, including the Texas High School Coaches Association, Prairie View A&M University National Alumni Association, Booker T. Washington Alumni Association (BTWAA), Ravenway Lakes HOA, and the Houston Retired Teachers Association.

His decades-long dedication to the BTWAA was one of the great joys of his life. Isaac served as both treasurer and president, remaining an unwavering pillar for the organization. He approached every initiative with passion and care, ensuring the success of their programs and strengthening the alumni community. He took immense pride in supporting the BTWAA’s mission and treasured the connections he built through his service. Isaac's steadfast commitment to the organization reflected his deep love for the school and its legacy.

At the heart of Isaac’s life was his family. He shared 58 beautiful years of marriage with his devoted wife, Delores Black Baker. Together, they raised two sons, Isaac Jr. (Nicole) of Hutto, Texas and Jason (Detora) of Pearland, and delighted in their three grandchildren, Rhayven, Kofi and Zende. He leaves to cherish his legacy his sister, Wilma Baker; brothers, Eugene Baker (Marcia) of Winter Haven, Florida, and Rev. Dr. Alfred Baker (Ida); his close friend and sister-in-law Carolyn W. Baker, who supported Isaac and his wife in all things and was like a daughter to him; his spiritual children, Andre and Sherita Wright,

Albert Brown, Bernard Garrett, James Jackson, Jose Cavazos, Russell Ross, Tim Banks, Trevor Piper and so many more. Along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, close friends, colleagues, neighbors, and students.

Isaac is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Loreda Baker, and his siblings, Charlene Brooks, Rutha Brown, and Adeline Baker. Also preceding him in death were his nephews, Carl Baker and Gerald Wayne Brown, and his nieces, Shelly Brown and Teresa Singleton. Isaac Freeman Baker, Sr. was more than an educator, coach, husband, and father; he was a beacon of hope, a mentor to many, and a cornerstone of his community. His legacy will forever live on in the lives he touched and the countless hearts he inspired. Coach Baker's life was a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and love. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A visitation for Isaac will be held Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at The Church Without Walls, 5725 Queenston Blvd, Houston, TX 77084. The funeral will immediately follow from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 5725 Queenston Blvd, Houston, TX 77084. The committal will be held on Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Paradise Funeral Home & Cemetery North, 10401 W Montgomery Rd, Houston, TX 77088.