Larry Baker, Jr.

Larry Baker, Jr., 78, of Portland, Texas, went to his heavenly home on June 21, 2025, surrounded by his two children and wife after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Lawrence Alva Baker Jr. was born on November 26, 1946, to Larry, Sr. and Virginia Baker in Dallas, Texas. Larry lived a full and vibrant life marked by his humor, passions, and unwavering dedication to his family.

Larry was President of Baker Marine Corporation, a business he helped his family build from the ground up. They designed and built offshore drilling rigs for many years in Ingleside, Texas. One of Larry’s proudest business moments was that at the peak of business, Baker Marine held 52% of the offshore drilling rig construction industry. Larry led with integrity, sharp business sense, and a firm handshake. He was a man who believed in hard work, loyalty, and speaking his mind- and he expected the same in return.

He served on the Gregory-Portland school board, San Patricio Appraisal District, and San Patricio County Fair board. He was a member of the Portland Masonic Lodge #1411 and 32nd Degree Scottish Rite. He was also very active in his church, serving on numerous committees throughout the years.

Larry enjoyed the thrill of the hunt and the craftsmanship of collecting and maintaining firearms. His gun collection was often a topic of discussion. His woodworking hobby produced countless handmade treasures that are scattered to friends and family to enjoy for years to come. He could make anything from kitchen cabinets and furniture to pens; his latest obsession was epoxy work. He was also known for his love of the game of poker, and his family will tell you that he was born with a poker face and loved to get one over on you.

He was known for his prankster and kidding ways and for giving everyone — friends or family — a good-natured hard time. If you knew him, you surely have a story to tell, and probably one where you were the punchline. But beneath the jokes was a heart full of generosity and love.

For 58 years, he was devoted to the love of his life, Sandra Sexton Baker. Their marriage was a beautiful example of enduring love. Together, they raised two children, Karrie Baker Cox and Larry Baker, III, who carry on his strong spirit and commitment to family. Growing up, the family enjoyed riding, raising, and showing cattle, riding three-wheelers, attending football games, and spending weekends in Rockport, where they water skied and jet skied.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Virginia Baker. Larry is survived by his wife, Sandra Baker; daughter Karrie Cox and husband Marty; son Larry III and wife Jennifer; brother Russell Baker and wife Jan and his five grandchildren, Brant Cox, Baker Cox; and fiance Lauren McAlister, Taylor Baker, Kaylin Baker, and Jordyn Baker.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at Grace Point Church in Portland, with a family viewing at 1:00 p.m., visitation at 1:30 p.m., and a 2:00 p.m. service, followed by burial at The Palms Memorial Gardens. A meal will be served at the community center following the burial.

Serving as pallbearers are Larry Baker, III, Marty Cox, Brant Cox, Rusty Baker, Baker Cox, Taylor, Kaylin, and Jordyn Baker. Honorary pallbearers are Russell Baker, Harry Chester, Myron Rodrigue, Johnny Siebert, Freddie Wilkerson, Wes Hoskins, Troy Williamson, Charlie Gregory, Roy Debolt, Joe Thedford, Greg Taylor and Rodney Serpa.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund has been set up at 1st Community Bank in Portland, TX. Donations can be made out to the Larry Baker, Jr. Atta boy/girl scholarship and mailed to

P.O. Box 492, Portland, Texas 78374

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads' Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com