Donald Lee Baker, 79, of Springfield, Mo., went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 20, 2010, in St. John’s Hospital after a brief illness. He was born June 8, 1931 in Plattsmouth, Neb., to Oliver Baker and Tillie (Gannaway) Baker.
Don graduated from Bear Creek High School, near Stockton, Mo., in 1948. He joined the Army in 1954 as a sergeant and left the service early in 1956 to attend SMS, graduating in June 1959 with a degree in business. Don was employed with the Conco Concrete Company, in Springfield, for 55 years as comptroller. He always looked forward to going to work each morning and often stayed late to make sure everything was finished for the day and ready for the next. He loved his job and the people he worked with. He retired in 2003. On February 20, 1952, Don married Josephine Luttrell in Strafford, Mo. To this union four children were born.
Don accepted Christ as his Savior, while stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood, and was baptized in Southside Baptist Church in 1954. He served the Lord faithfully for 56 years. He was ordained as a deacon on September 11, 1966 at Macedonia Baptist Church in Springfield, Mo. Don also served as Sunday School Director and church treasurer for many years at Macedonia. Since 1983, he had been an active deacon at Second Baptist Church in Springfield, Mo.
Don enjoyed helping young students learn. For several years, he served as an elementary tutor in reading and math in the Springfield Public Schools. On December 12, 2004, the Missouri Limestone Producers presented him with a Lifetime Membership award. When Don was not working or serving others, he enjoyed traveling, watching old movies, reading, and being with his family. One of his favorite pastimes was walking with his buddies at the mall followed by coffee at Panera. He loved following the stock market.
Don loved people. He never met a stranger and enjoyed striking up a conversation anywhere. Throughout his life, he taught by example. He faced all situations with honesty, dignity, faith, courage, hope, self-confidence, tenacity, and when needed a sense of humor. Don was much more a giver than a taker. He supported his children in all their endeavors and never missed any of his children’s musical or sports activities.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Don is survived by Jo, his wife of 58 years; daughter Donna Hamilton and husband Tim; son, Alan Baker and wife Sue; daughter, Lori Dorey and husband Dave; son, Darren Baker and wife Heidi; four grandchildren, Zachary Hamilton and wife Beth, Tyler Hamilton, Bailey Dorey, and Jordan Emily Baker; “grandkitties”, Lily and Grayson; brother, Bud Baker and wife Jo Francis; sisters, Shirley Wallen and Hazel Gunier; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held Friday, July 23, 2010 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Greenlawn Funeral Home-North. Dr. John Marshall will officiate at funeral services on Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 10 a.m. in Greenlawn Funeral Home-North Chapel. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home.