Donald Baker (1922-2020)

BAKER, TIESEN, KELLOGG

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 5/23/2021 at 17:43:30

Donald Baker, age 98, of Adrian, passed away on Monday, December 7, 2020, at Gaslight Village Living Center. He was born on September 27, 1922 in Lyons, Ohio to Ed and Marie (Tiesen) Baker. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; and a granddaughter.
Don spent his childhood on the Mississippi River in Clinton when he enlisted in the United States Army Air Force in 1942 and served as a medical technician and chaplain's assistant. He was discharged in February 1946 and married Joyce Kellogg of Sioux City Iowa in August.
Don earned his BA in Business from Creighton University and a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa and St. Louis University. Don worked in both public and private social agencies in Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa and Michigan before retiring as Director of Professional Services at Catholic Social Services of Wayne County in 1987.
Don and Joyce were married 74 years and active in various ministries in the Catholic Church throughout that time. Together they raised seven children who all had the opportunity to say good-bye to him before he passed. They are Janice of Boone, Iowa, Judi Anna and Joe of Adrian, Michigan, Julie of Johnston, Iowa, Jean of Pullman, Michigan, Joann of Ferndale, Michigan and John of Castle Rock, Colorado. He is also survived by a sister in Iowa, 28 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren.
Don's legacy is his life of service with a warm smile and a genuine concern for those lucky enough to be in his company. He did not command attention but rather gave it to those in need of being lifted up or even just noticed. Through his loving ways he managed to have 7 favorite children and was loved by all who were brought into the Baker family. Family vacations were a must and generally included time near a body of water.
Donations in Don's memory may be made to the Reach for the Sky Project at Hidden Lake Gardens in Tipton, Michigan to honor his love of nature.
Funeral services for Don will be at the St. Joseph Campus of Holy Family Parish in Adrian on Thursday, December 10, at 10:30 a.m.. There will be a short visitation at the church beginning at 9:30 and a rosary in the Church before the Funeral Liturgy at 10:15. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Adrian. The service will also be live streamed and be available shortly after from the website of Anderson-Marry Funeral Home. You may send condolences to the family at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Adrian.