Donald W Baker

Obituary for
Donald W Baker

Dateline: Blakesburg Donald Wayne Baker, age 86 of Blakesburg, died on Wednesday evening September 3, 2014 at the Oakwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Albia under the care of Care Initiatives Hospice. He was born on October 19, 1927 in Monroe County to Vern and Pearl (Barnhill) Baker. Donald was one of eight children. He graduated from Lovilia High School, class of 1945. He then worked for Burlington Northern Sante Fe Rail Road and retired as a Time Clerk with 40 years of service. He married Cleo Helen Brewer on March 26, 1949 at the United Brethren Church in Albia. They were blessed with five children: Don, Terry, Gary, Cathy, and Vicki. He was a member of the Blakesburg Methodist Church. He was a member of the Blakesburg Lions Club, Sports Boosters, and Development corp. He was an avid softball player, bowler, and Baltimore Orioles fan. He coached his children in Little league and Babe Ruth baseball, and also softball. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, cards, bingo, collectable cars; and especially enjoyed spending time with family, and going to the grandchildren's sporting events. He is survived by his children, Don L. (Deborah) Baker of Newark, DE, Terry W. (Kinda) Baker of Ottumwa, Gary (Corrie) Baker of Kelley, IA, Cathy (Lonny) Reck of Blakesburg, Vicki (Rodney) Curtis of Blakesburg; grandchildren, Jennifer Timmermann, Jessica Hawley, Alan, Aaron, Travis, and Dustin Baker, Jason, and Eric Lyons, Brent Brandon, and Paige Reck, Colton, and Bethany Reinhard, Kody Curtis, fourteen great grandchildren, three sisters, Norma Barnes of Lovilia, Lola (Bob) Ivins of Albia, Gayle Hastings of Lovilia. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Cleo, one granddaughter, Angela Baker, one great grandson, Kenneth Baker, and siblings, Forrest Baker, James Baker, Merrill Baker, and Doris Shelford. Funeral Services held at 10:30 am on Monday, September 8, 2014 at the Blakesburg Methodist Church with Revs. Jim Ellis and Jim Matheny officiating. Don will be cremated following services and a private family inurnment will be held in Blakesburg Cemeteryat a later date. Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2014 opening the public at 2:00 pm, and family will be present from 6-8 pm Sunday evening at the Sinnott Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Albia. Memorials will be directed to Blakesburg Methodist Church or Blakesburg Development Corp. Online condolences may be left for the family at sinnottfuneralhome.com. Services entrusted with Sinnott Pierschbacher Funeral Home..