Baker William Herbert, III (Bill) passed away peacefully at home on July 16, 2026, at the age of 84, with family by his side. Bill was born on June 30, 1942, in Washington DC, and raised in Cheverly, MD. He moved to Washington, DC to live with grandparents after his mother died in 1954.
Bill attended St. Ambrose School through 7th grade, Sacred Heart School for 8th grade, and graduated from Archbishop Carroll High School in 1960. He graduated from The Catholic University of America in 1964 with a B.A. in Economics. He graduated from Echols College of Mortuary Science in Philadelphia in 1965.
Bill married Kathryn Wangness in February of 1966. Bill was pre-deceased by his daughter, Debbie, and her son, Jason in 1982. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn, four children: Rick, Keith, Christine and Anne Marie, and 29 grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Bill served in the DC National Guard from 1965 to 1967. He began his career as an energy industry economist with the Federal Power Commission in August 1966, which became the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in 1978. During his career, Bill provided regulatory oversights over large natural gas pipeline construction projects and liquified natural gas import and export projects, including the facility at Cove Point, MD. He also helped establish the Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline Transportation Reporting System and the National Natural Gas Reserves Reporting System.
Bill was a 3rd degree Knight of Columbus, past member and president of the Optimist Club of Upper Marlboro MD, and member of the Men’s Club at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Prince Frederick, MD. He was also founder, member and past president of the Men’s Club at Jesus the Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Owings, MD.
Bill was a kind, gentle, and humble man who touched many lives. His selflessness, warmth and generous spirit will live on in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to Hospice of the Chesapeake.
