Obituary of Richard Elliott Baker, 86
Richard Elliott Baker.
– Richard Elliott Baker passed gently into the morning of March 14, 2026, in his home, with his wife and two sons at his side. Affectionately known as ‘that Dick Baker’ –– he was born on August 17, 1939, in Cleveland, Ohio.
He graduated from Cleveland High School and the Cooper School of Art, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Called to serve in 1962, Richard joined the Army Reserves, allowing him to continue his education while helping support his mother and two sisters following the sudden passing of his father.
In 1969, Richard visited his sister Nancy and her family in Houston. He quickly fell in love with Texas and accepted a position as an art director at Ketchum, MacLeod & Grove, where his primary client was Gulf Oil Corporation. It was there that he met Faye Preston, his beloved wife of 56 years.
In 1970, Richard and Faye settled in Southwest Houston, where they raised their two sons and built a life filled with biking, swimming, and family camping trips.
Through his work with Gulf Oil, Richard traveled extensively alongside writers and photographers, developing a passion for photography that led him to freelance work. After Chevron acquired Gulf Oil in 1984, he was invited to move to California as an executive art director for Young & Rubicam in San Francisco. Though he initially declined, the opportunity persisted, and in 1987, the Baker family relocated to Novato, California. Richard continued his work as a creative art director and freelance photographer until agency cutbacks following the events of 9/11.
In 2002 (with their sons grown and families of their own), Richard and Faye moved to Central California where they continued their photography work.
In Paso Robles, they created a life rich with simple joys—a photography and tai chi studio, a garden, orchard, barn, chickens, and ducks. Like his mother and sister, Richard loved roses and faithfully tended his garden.
He was a devoted member of Paso Robles Covenant Presbyterian Church and participated in a weekly men’s Bible study group, which continued to support him even after relocating to Florida. His membership was later transferred to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Sun City Center.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Faye Preston Baker; his sons, Richard Elliott Baker Jr. (Jennifer Jo) and Christopher Lynn Baker (Dawn Michele); grandchildren Jacob Curtis Baker (Paige), Anna Rae Baker, Conner Hugh Song, and Charlotte Faye Baker; great-grandson Daniel Elliott Baker; his sister Susan Elizabeth Baker-Mrotek (Daniel Dean Mrotek); niece Beth Sautter; and extended family in Ohio and Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Nancy; sister-in-law Patti Mitchell; and brother-in-law Ernest (‘Tuffy’) Preston.
Richard will be remembered as a kind and joyful Christian man whose legacy lives on through his family, friends, and all who lovingly knew him as ‘that Dick Baker.’ Surrounded by those he loved, and assured that all was well, Richard is resting in heavenly peace—just as God intended. In the arms of Jesus, may he rest in peace.
A Celebration of Life, including Military Honors and Presentation of the Burial Flag, will be held at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Florida (date to be announced).
Legacy Tribute: Richard Elliott Baker
Richard Elliott Baker lived his life as an artist of both image and spirit—seeing beauty where others might pass by, and quietly capturing it with a grateful heart.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Richard’s greatest masterpiece was the life he built with his beloved Faye and their family. Through seasons of movement and change, he remained steady—kind, gentle, and deeply faithful.
He found joy in simple things: the bloom of a rose, the rhythm of the camera lens, the stillness of early morning light, and the quiet presence of God.
To know Richard was to feel a calm assurance… a reminder that life need not be hurried to be meaningful, nor loud to be profound.
His legacy lives on in the love he gave, the beauty he created, and the lives he touched so gently. And now, having walked this life with grace, he rests peacefully – held safely in the arms of Jesus.
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