Donald J. Baker

Donald J. “Jake” Baker, 85, of Convoy, died Friday evening, August 16, 2019, at Parkview Randallia Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He was born October 28, 1933, in Monroeville, Indiana, the son of Donald L. and Mazie (Clevenger) Baker, who both preceded him in death. On October 8, 1955, he married the former Betty L. Webster, who died November 17, 2000.

Jake was a longtime member and loved his time at Countryside United Methodist Church, where he was chairman of the trustees for 20 years. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed many varied interests. He collected Coke memorabilia and model cars and could be found at many area auctions. He had taken pilot lessons and dearly loved his time in the air. He enjoyed fishing and was also widely known as a television repairman. 

Jake was president of the Edgewood Park Board for several years, and had influenced hundreds of Convoy area youngsters when he coached Little League baseball for decades. He could always be found at his grandchildren’s sports events and any Crestview school sporting events. Jake retired from the Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company and had mowed Tully Township cemeteries for over 25 years.

Survivors include two sons, Paul D. (Dana) Baker of Monroeville, Indiana, and Denis E. (Natalie) Baker of Columbus; a daughter, Nanette R. (Jeff) Grace of Convoy; two sisters, Pat Fralick of Convoy and Joan Pierce of Monroeville; and nine grandchildren, Jake Baker, Madison (Robert) Klinger, Samantha Baker, Rhys Baker, Logan Baker, Seth Baker, Breena Grace, Levi Grace, and Lydia Grace.

A daughter, Amy Sue Baker; a sister, Mary Louise Fortney; and a brother, Paul Edward Baker (killed in the Korean War), also preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 24, at Countryside Chapel United Methodist Church west of Convoy, with the Rev. Wayne Kargas officiating. Burial will follow in IOOF Cemetery in Convoy. 

Visitation is from 2-7 p.m. Friday, August 23, and an hour prior to services Saturday, all at Countryside Chapel.

Preferred memorials: Countryside Chapel United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be expressed at cowanfuneralhome.com.