Virgil I. Grissom High School
Class of 1977
Alan Baker
| Residing In: | Troy, TX USA |
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| Spouse/Partner: | Heather |
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| Homepage: |
https://www.churchhistory101.com/ |
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| Occupation: | Professor, Continental Theological Seminary (Belgium) |
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| Children: | Hope - born 1990 Erin - born 1995 |
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Alan's Latest Interactions
Posted on: Jul 28, 2026 at 12:48 PM
I just did Timothy Baker's funeral and it reminds me of Mike.
I am still sick that I did not know Mike was sick with cancer, nor did I know about his passing. I missed his funeral.
Mike and I communicated via Facebook in the few months prior to his passing...yet he did not tell me he was dying. That was sad for me.
I want to write about Mike and hope to do so sometime soon.
This was my first military funeral to conduct. Timothy was buried at the National Cemetary in Biloxi MS.
It was an emotional experience for me. One of Tim's Army buddies was there and told me a few stories of his time with Timothy. They served in the 2nd Armored Division which had two teams that swapped every six months - Germany - Fort Hood TX. Timothy was the "fire support" for artillery fire. He had an argument with his senior and asked to be transferred. He later became a medic. Their commander was General George S. Patton. Wait? How can that be? Their commander was the grandson of the famous WWII General, named directly after his grandfather. That was cool to hear.
The motorcade was escorted by the Patriot Guard, mostly Vietnam Vets on Harleys (or other BIG bikes), each with an American flag. They stood at attention throughout the ceremony and saluted Timothy each time his casket was moved. These vets do this all the time on their own dime with their own time for a fellow veteran they never knew. THIS moved me through the entire service which included "Taps" and a 21 Gun Salute.
I was not sad about Timothy, he lived well and was at peace with God...but seeing the patriotism...and honor...and respect of all these veterans had me weepy throughout the day.
It also reminded me of my good friend at Grissom, Col Mike Rorex, may he also rest in peace.
God Bless America!
Posted on: Jun 05, 2017 at 9:01 AM
Coming to the 40th reunion was kind of overwhelming. It was good to see all of you again after so many years. I was touched to be welcomed so warmly by several of you. There were many I did not get around to see. I hope to return in 5 years and stay longer. Thanks to Susan for hounding me. Thanks to Scott Smith and his wife Donna. I will try to send personal notes to the rest of you. I was blessed to be there.
We are all closer to some than others. I got a bit teared up as Scott and I left thinking of my ol' buddy Mike Rorex. He was a good friend. My thanks to Bill Welch and Claude Moore for telling me more of his story and for their friendship with Mike.
