Glen Baecker

Glen Lloyd Baecker, 61, died January 19, 2014, in Austin, Texas.

Born in Goliad, Texas on October 6, he was raised on the family ranch where he developed a lifelong appreciation for the rich history and beauty of his native state. After graduating high school in 1971, he attended Victoria College and served in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve.

Glen entered the insurance and financial services field with Texas Farm Bureau in 1973. He earned his Charter Life Underwriter Degree in 1989 and contracted with National Farm Life, becoming Regional Coordinator for South Texas. Glen was a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), served as State President in 1999-2000, and was a member of the Board of Directors for eight years. He regularly mentored new agents, and he was co-moderator of the NAIFA-sponsored Leadership In Life Institute from 2001 to 2006. Glen was a member of the Texas Leaders Round Table and received numerous industry awards including the National Sales Achievement Award, National Quality Award, Outstanding Achievement Award from the TLRT, the Pioneer Award from the Leadership In Life Institute, and the NAIFA-Texas Lifetime Achievement Award.

Glen loved and was devoted to his family. He would drop everything to take a phone call from his children or drive across the country for a visit. He was a good listener, a confidence builder, and a "bucket filler" rather than a "bucket dipper." His thoughtfulness and compassion motivated those he met to live full and productive lives, to give back to the community, and to "get after it" and "make it happen." He was a born teacher and shared with others his love of Texas and military history, aviation, travel, cooking, wine, good Scotch, photography, and wildflowers. Glen's warmth inspired the affection of friends who enjoyed his dry sense of humor and engaging stories. He especially liked telling stories of his childhood as a "farm boy." He will be remembered by many for his natural charm, welcoming smile, warm hugs, home-cooked meals, distinctive mustache, and generous spirit.

He is survived by his wife, Trista; son Shawn (Jaimie) Baecker; daughters, Reina Baecker (Jason) Brooks and Alyssa Baecker; and five grandchildren: Skylar, Eden, Carlee, Wyatt, and Gabrielle. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marjorie and Edward Baecker.

A memorial service will take place in early spring. Memorial contributions may be made in Glen's name to: The National Brain Tumor Society (www.braintumor.org) or The American Brain Tumor Association (www.abta.org).