Former TxDOT design engineer remembered

TxDOT employees gathered on Wednesday to remember and honor one of their own. Former Atlanta District Design Engineer Everett John Baker, Jr. passed away on September 21, 2022 at his home in Atlanta, TX. He retired in 2019 after 37 years of service to TxDOT.

A come-and-go reception with refreshments donated by TxDOT employees was held from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m., in remembrance of Baker. “John was a mentor to so many of us as we were just starting our careers,” said Atlanta District Engineer Rebecca Wells. “He was wonderful to work for and worth with. He cared about others and took the time to help them grow not only professionally, but personally, as well.”

Baker graduated from the University of Arkansas and joined the TxDOT family in April 1982 as an Engineering Assistant in Gilmer. He was named Gilmer Area Engineer in 1987 and just two years later, in 1989, became the Atlanta Area Engineer. After the Atlanta District’s consolidation of area offices in 2008, Baker became the North Design Supervisor, where he served until being named the District Design Engineer in 2018.

Baker was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Atlanta, where he served on the Church Council, the Board of Trustees, the Finance Committee, and the Scout Board for the BSA groups chartered by FUMC. He also taught Bible classes and supported youth activities. In 2002, Baker helped found Cub Scout Pack 47. He was also a founding board member for Atlanta’s first youth soccer league.

“We were honored to work with and be friends with John Baker over the many years he was at Tx-DOT. John had a heart for serving and dedicated many hours to the design and construction of many roads in our area,” said Atlanta District Director of Transportation Planning and Development Katie Martin.

“He was a trusted leader, supporter and friend at Tx-DOT and within our community.”