Royce Phillip (Phil) Baker, aged 72, affectionately known as Beepa/Boppa, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2020. He was born in 1947 in Dallas, Texas to Jim and Mary Baker. His parents preceded him in death. He had no siblings, but very close cousins by the dozens. He loved spending time outdoors and spent many days fishing, hunting, and enjoying being in God’s great creation.

     Phil was a Christian and wished for everyone to know that his passing is just the next step to forever. He will be waiting for his family and has joined those he loved in heaven.

     Phil is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jeanne Claire Baker. They met at the University of Texas in Austin and it was truly love at first sight. They have two wonderful daughters, Kelley Baker Hively and Caroline Baker Soldano, five outstanding grandchildren, River Soldano, Chandler Soldano, Jackson Hively, Jacob Hively, and his princess angel Emily Soldano. Phil was blessed with a bouncing great-granddaughter, Zaylee Soldano in 2019. 

     Phil was a Certified Public Accountant and with his parents built the largest local CPA firm in Dallas during the 1970s and 80s. In 1990, he left the accounting profession and led a telecommunications firm in Oklahoma to expand into a multi-state, multi-faceted full spectrum telecommunications and support services operation. He retired in 2000 to come home to the Hill Country to be with his wife and family.

     Phil was blessed to have 19 years to spend with his grandchildren watching them grow, have adventures with them in the outdoors, and attend their activities. He was very proud of their accomplishments and the young adults they have become.

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