Neil Cantrill Baker

Neil Cantrill Baker passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026, at the age of 96. Born May 9, 1930, in El Paso, Texas, he spent his entire life in the city where he was born.

He grew up in Manhattan Heights where he attended Crockett Grade School, Austin High School, and later, Texas Western College. He was baptized at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church.

From 1948 to 1965 Neil worked as a graphic artist, beginning his career at The White House, and later working for American Furniture, White & Shuford Advertising and Sanders Advertising. In 1965 he joined Baker Glass/Plastics where he remained until he retired in 1994.

Neil loved the outdoors. He was an enthusiastic outdoorsman, an avid fisherman, and hiker who explored and came to know countless rivers, streams, canyons, and backroads in the western mountain states. He also loved golf and was a long time member of El Paso Country Club, where he played weekly for more than fifty years. One year, 2002, at the age of 72, Neil recorded three holes-in-one — a significant golf accomplishment.

Retirement gave Neil time to pursue his ambition of landscape and sporting painting. Inspired by his love of nature and the environment, his paintings reflect experiences and places he cherished. His talent was recognized in 2007 when he was inducted into the Arist’s Hall of Fame at the International Museum of Art in El Paso.

Neil was preceded in death by mother and father, Ralph and Sarah Baker, brothers James R. Baker and Gene W. Baker, and beloved wife of 39 years, Elizabeth Anne Baker.

He is survived by two daughters and two sons and their families: Elizabeth and Anthony Smagacz of La Plata, New Mexico; Julieanne Baker and Brady Miller of Poulsbo, Washington; Michael Baker and Jane Walther of Boise, Idaho, and Chris and Marene Baker of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, and nine grandchildren: Sarah, Anna, Paul and David Smagacz, Molly, Lucas and Noah Hickam, Varick and Samantha Baker and many nieces and nephews.

"Many of my family and lifelong friends have passed before me; perhaps we will meet again. I wish to acknowledge my great love and gratitude to those who survive me and have made my life on earth such a great one."

Neil will be missed by his family, friends, four-legged creatures, and all who knew him.

A celebration of his life will be held from 3:00- 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, at 4836 Costa de Oro, El Paso, TX.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Neil Baker to The Nature Conservancy and/or Alzheimer's Foundation of America.