H.R. No. 164 is a resolution honoring the memory of John Russell Baker, who passed away on January 25, 2025, at the age of 64. A resident of Lago Vista since 2016, Baker was a dedicated father to his two sons, Austin and Alec, and had a successful career as a failure analyst at Motorola for over 35 years. He became a well-known figure in the community after opening a barbecue business, Baker's Brisket, with his son, which gained popularity and led to the establishment of a brick-and-mortar location in Jonestown in October 2024. Baker was also actively involved in community service, volunteering at various barbecue events, providing holiday meals for those in need, and supporting local athletic teams.
The resolution expresses heartfelt sympathy to Baker's family, including his sons, "bonus mom," brother, sister, and other relatives and friends. It acknowledges his contributions to the community and his recognition by the North Lake Travis Chamber of Commerce, where he received the Business of the Year Award in 2019 and the Member of the Year Award in 2022. The Texas House of Representatives unanimously adopted the resolution on March 6, 2025, and it calls for an official copy to be prepared for his family, concluding with the House adjourning in his memory.