Donald D. Baker

Donald Dwight Baker was born on November 24, 1952, in Des Moines, Iowa, and passed peacefully on December 19, 2025, at University Park Nursing Home in Des Moines, Iowa.

Don served in the United States Air Force as a cook and worked in supply. Throughout his life, he held many jobs, including working at King’s Restaurant and Country Kitchen, the Northwestern Railroad, as a DJ at Hard Times, at a cement plant, and at a horse stable alongside his brother Bob. He was also the coach for the family softball team, proudly leading the way for all his nephews. Don was well known as the “watermelon man” at family reunions, which he loved dearly. He was an avid New York Yankees and Kansas City Chiefs fan.

Don is survived by his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended great and great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Wilbur Baker; his mother, Louella Nadine Reynolds Baker; his brothers and sisters, Wilbur Paul Baker, Virginia Berry, Kay Garcia, Connie Sue Carder, Robert Gene Baker, David Reynolds Baker, and Veronia Nadine Baker; and an infant son, Baker.

Burial will be held at Leon Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to MercyOne Hospice