Haywood Kingsley Baker Jr.

Haywood Kingsley Baker, Jr. was born in Mobile, Alabama, on March 15, 1930 and passed away on August 20, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. At 96 years old, he lived a long, full, and remarkable life. Affectionately known as “Cubie” he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Kingsley grew up in Mobile, AL and began his professional career in the maritime industry, working with Waterman Steamship Corporation and Ryan Walsh Stevedoring. He retired in 1992 after serving as Senior Vice President of Ryan’s office in the Port of New Orleans for more than 20 years. He was a member of the International House, the Propeller Club, the Board of Trade for the Port of New Orleans, and served as Chairman of the New Orleans Steamship Association. His work took him around the world and gave him the opportunity to meet people from many different places and hear stories from all walks of life. During this time, Kingsley also served in the Air Force during the Korean War, an experience that sparked his lifelong love of aviation and all things related to transportation.

In 1968, Kingsley married the love of his life, Lynn Taxis Baker. A devoted husband, he adored Lynn and often reminded her how fortunate he was that their paths had crossed. Their marriage was truly a partnership, and they shared a life filled with family, friendship, travel, and countless memories. Together, they raised two children, Lisa and Jeff. Kingsley was a loving, devoted father who was incredibly proud of both of them. Kingsley and Jeff shared many mutual interests, particularly restoring, collecting and driving jeeps. They always had a project they were working on. They enjoyed hunting, fishing and working in his “shop”. Lisa and Jeff both remember times spent at the river in Mobile with where Kingsley taught them how to waterski, fish and drive a boat.

The family grew when Lisa married John Rocchio in 1999. John quickly became an important part of Kingsley’s life, and Kingsley was forever grateful for John’s love and support of their family. Lisa and John have three children, and Kingsley was a proud grandfather to his three grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Poppa.” He rarely missed a sporting event or school performance and took great joy in watching his grandchildren grow. He made a point of getting to know everyone they cared about and was always interested in their lives.

Kingsley and Lynn also shared the joy of having their daughter and her family nearby. They moved from New Orleans to Los Angeles to be closer to Lisa’s family and eventually made their way to Dallas, Texas, where they continued to be an important part of their children’s and grandchildren’s lives.

After retiring at the age of 62, Kingsley found plenty of ways to keep busy. He worked as a maritime consultant and fed his entrepreneurial spirit by making retro parts for classic cars. He was an avid car collector, a tinkerer, and someone who was always building or creating something. He was never bored and had a genuine curiosity about the world around him. He enjoyed reading and learning, particularly about history and politics. For many years he loved spending time with his family at their house on Fowl River in Mobile. Kingsley also loved learning about his family’s history and frequently enjoyed conversations with his family about their genealogy and family tree.

Kingsley will be remembered most for his kind and welcoming nature. He never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to make people feel comfortable and valued. He was the epitome of a Southern gentleman—gracious, optimistic, curious, and always ready with a story or a conversation. He was grateful for the life he had lived and rarely complained. Having lost his own father at an early age, Kingsley was especially sentimental about the memories he had of him and spoke of his father often.

Kingsley was preceded in death by his father, Haywood Kingsley Baker, and his mother, Hallie Moore Baker, his sister Emily Baker Zimlich Helland, and his brother, George Robert Baker.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Lynn Carol Taxis Baker; his daughter, Lisa Ann Baker Rocchio; his son, Jeffrey Scott Baker; son-in-law, John Rocchio; his grandchildren, John Kingsley Rocchio, William Anthony Rocchio, and Sarah Elizabeth Rocchio; his sister-in-law Joyce Baker; his niece ary Elise Zimlich; nephews Leon Zimlich, Jr., George Robert Baker,Jr.,( Melissa) and family; Mark Zimlich (Jeannette) and family; Stephen Baker (Eleanor) and family.

We take comfort in knowing that Kingsley is now reunited with his parents and siblings in heaven. His legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply, the many friendships he cherished, and the countless memories he created throughout his remarkable life. We are grateful for the life he shared with us and find peace in knowing that he is now with God, watching over all of us.

A memorial service will be held on September 18 at 12:30 pm at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Mobile, AL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either Saint Paul’s Church in Mobile, AL or at Saint Micheal and All Angels church in Dallas, TX in memory of Haywood Kingsley Baker Jr.