Joe Don Baker

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joe Don, a noted member of the Performing Arts Community, who left us on May 07, 2025 at the age of 89. Born on February 12, 1936, Joe Don was a beacon of kindness and generosity. His intellectual curiosity made him a voracious reader, inspiring a great love of nature and animals, particularly cats. Throughout his life, Joe Don touched many lives with his warmth and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Joe Don spent his early years in Groesbeck, Texas, where he attended Groesbeck High School and excelled in Football and Basketball. His athletic skills led him to secure a scholarship at North Texas State College, where he joined the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and graduated in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. In 1994 he received the Distinguished Alumni award from his College, now renamed University of North Texas. Following a two year period of service in the U.S. Army, Joe Don moved to New York City, where he studied at the Actor’s Studio, becoming a life member. During this time, he gained valuable acting experience performing in the lively NY Theater scene. Eventually, he moved to Los Angeles where his acting career gradually took off. Starting with small television parts, he eventually progressed to major acting roles as leading man and later in life as a character actor. During his long career, until his retirement in 2012, he performed in 57 movies, starring in “Walking Tall”, “Mitchell”, and more. Additionally, he landed co-starring roles and supporting parts in other major projects, including “Charlie Varrick” and three “Bond” films. His film acting accolades include winning the Robert Altman Award for his role on “Mud” and nominations for the for the miniseries “George Wallace”. He performed in numerous television productions, including a starring role in the popular series “Eischied”, and an outstanding performance on the acclaimed British television production of “Edge of Darkness”, which earned him a Best Actor nomination from the British Academy of Television. Joe Don’s 11 year marriage produced no offspring. He is survived by relations in his native Groesbeck, who will forever cherish his memory. He is mourned by a small but very close circle of friends who will miss him eternally. A funeral service to honor Joe Don’s life will be held on May 20, 2025 at Utter McKinley Mortuary beginning at 10:00 AM. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories, celebrating the extraordinary life he led. As we say goodbye to Joe Don, we hold onto the memories and the love he shared with us. Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will always remain, a guiding light in the lives he touched. Rest in peace, Joe Don. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

Tributes

Joe Don Baker

February 12, 1936 - May 7, 2025