Rev. Rennie Baker, 71, of Waxahachie, Texas, went home to be with the Lord, September 12, 2022.  He was born January 27, 1951, in Center, Texas to Rev. Comer and Jimmie (Snider) Baker.

Rennie was the oldest of three Baker children but sheepishly grinned when his sisters called him "the baby." He knew it and liked it that way! Rennie, Rhonda, and Rebecca were taught to sing and harmonize by their mother. They knew there were three parts to sing, and she told them to stay on their part! She also taught Rennie three chords on the guitar, and with many hours of practice with his cousin, Gene Blount, he became an incredible guitarist.

While attending high school, Rennie enrolled in Barber School. In 1969, at the age of sixteen, he graduated with his barber's license and became the youngest licensed barber in the state of Texas. After high school, he continued his education at Texas A&M University. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1972, and his master's degree in 1974, majoring in Educational Technology and a minor in English.

While in college, he attended a church sectional C.A. Rally, where a beautiful young lady caught his eye. Before long, they knew they were meant to spend their lives together.  He and Lector Cantrelle were married May 19, 1973. Ten years later, they welcomed their promised miracle, Joshua, into their hearts and home.

After Rennie and Lector were married, they felt the call to full time pastoral ministry. Ministry was no stranger to Rennie, having been raised in the home of a minister, and Lector found her place playing the church organ. Josh inherited a musical gene and found his place on the platform playing drums. Music was always an integral part of their family.

In July 1979, they became the pastors of First Assembly of God in Waxahachie, where they faithfully served for forty years. Under his tenure, Cornerstone Christian School was birthed and became a shining beacon for Christian Education in Waxahachie and beyond. Rev. Baker also served as a Presbyter and Executive Presbyter for the North Texas District Council of the Assemblies of God from 2002-2016, and as an Honorary Presbyter from 2016-Present.  He also served on the Resolution Committee and the Campground Committee for the North Texas District Council.

Pastor Baker had a heart for World Missions and welcomed invitations to travel overseas to preach in local churches and area conferences. He was privileged to visit Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Ecuador, England, Ghana, Israel, Mexico, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ukraine, Vietnam, and Wales.

He is preceded in death by his father Rev. Comer Baker, his father and mother-in-law Durward and Hazel Cantrelle, brothers-in-law, Durward Cantrelle, Jr., Dr. Ben Skelton, and his great niece Cate Thompson.

Left to honor his memory is his precious mother Jimmie Baker, his loving wife of forty-nine years Lector Baker, his son Joshua Baker, his "handpicked" daughter Tracy Balch, sisters: Rhonda (Kenny) Roberts, Rebecca Skelton, brother and sister-in-law Rev. Don and Melba Exley, brother-in-law Hayward Cantrelle, a host of family members, and friends too numerous to count.

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 PM, Friday, September 16, 2022, with a "Celebration of Life" service at 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 17, 2022. The visitation and service will be at First Assembly of God, 701 West Highway 287 By-Pass, Waxahachie, Texas. Interment will follow at Waxahachie City Cemetery, 300 South Hawkins Street, Waxahachie, Texas.