Donald Eugene “Don” Baker went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus on December 30, 2024. He was born on April 1, 1932 to Jesse and Mary (Michael) Baker; devoted husband to the late Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Baker; loving father of Laura K Newman and husband David of Parkville, MD, Lisa J Baker of Hamilton, MD, David C Baker and wife Denise Porter of Lookout Mountain, GA and John E Baker and wife Pam of San Marcos, CA; brother of the late Ruth Strobel and Jacqueline Metzler; proud grandfather of 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. 

He was born in Waynesboro, PA and raised in Waynesboro and Pottstown, PA, places which he continued to remember with fondness throughout his life. He moved to Baltimore when he was 9 years old. 

He graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Maryland Institute Saturday School of Drafting in 1950. He attended McCoy College (Johns Hopkins University’s night school) and took courses in mechanical engineering. He worked as a draftsman and technical writer in the aviation industry at both Glenn L Martin Company (Martin-Marietta) and Piasecki/Boeing Vertol (Boeing Helicopter Division) at Philadelphia International Airport from 1951 - 1970. He then worked as a map maker for the State of Maryland and retired in 1996. After retirement he drove a school bus for Baltimore County Schools and volunteered with Meals On Wheels. 

He was an avid aviation enthusiast: built and flew model airplanes, took flying lessons at age 16 at Carrol County Airport (then Westminster Airport), and belonged to the Civil Air Patrol as a cadet in his teen years. He was in the Army National Guard, Aviation Section (now Maryland Air National Guard) from 1950 - 1959. He took a leave of absence from Martin-Marietta to go on active duty as a U.S.A.F. pilot trainee from April 1953 - October 1954. He acquired a commercial pilot license in 1960. His first youthful ambition was to become an airline pilot, but that didn't work out.

He also loved Bible stories, music, biking, hiking, camping, flying kites and the outdoors in general. He cut a trail from the Beachmont property to the Gunpowder River. He took his family camping across the United States twice, in 1964 and in 1970. He taught his children about wildlife, the stars, planets and meteor showers. He loved driving and maps, and knew Baltimore City and Washington DC like the back of his hand. He served faithfully at Aisquith Presbyterian Church for many years as an elder, choir member, Sunday school teacher, youth group advisor and bus driver until 2019 when infirmity kept him house bound. 

But the most important thing to him was his faith in his Savior Jesus Christ, and his family. He married the love of his life Betty on July 12, 1954. And together they gave their children a happy childhood and continued love and support throughout their lives. To quote him:  “The really important personal aspect of my life lies with the realization of who the Divine Supervisor is; the God who has brought the Good News through His Son Jesus, who gave me not only eternal life but the life here on earth with my beloved wife Betty and the four wonderful sons and daughters of my life, whose life stories would fill books of blessings in their telling. My fondest memories and best years of my life occurred while being with and aiding in their training (along with the Holy Spirit and all His earthly employees). They and their families are all followers of The Way, and that is blessing beyond imagination.”

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 from 3:00-5:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM in the family owned Parkview Funeral Home, 7527 Harford Rd, Parkville, MD. A Funeral Service officiated by Rev. John Ceselsky will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM in Aisquith Presbyterian Church, PCA, 7515 Harford Rd, Parkville, MD. Please park in Funeral Home parking lot for Funeral Service. Interment will follow in Moreland Memorial Park Cemetery in Parkville.