Donald J. Baker, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at the good Samaritan nursing home in Corsica, SD. A Memorial service will be at 10:30 Am Friday, October 18, 2019 at the Resurrection Lutheran Church in Mitchell, SD.  Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Mitchell, SD. Visitation will be from 5:00 Pm to 7:00 Pm on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at Will Funeral Chapel.

Donald James Baker was born on September 8, 1937 to James Dennis Baker and Alice Elizabeth (Humphrey) Baker at the Methodist Hospital in Mitchell, SD. In his youth he was active in 4-H and attended Sunday school regularly, receiving an award for 5 years straight with no absence.

Donald married Ruth Meligan on June 14, 1958 and together they raised 5 children. Family always came first for Don.  They went camping often and he would be quick to bait a hook or make macaroni salad or zucchini bread at a moment's notice.  Don never met a stranger.

Don was happiest when he was spending time with his dog, pheasant hunting, operating equipment; driving trucks, tractors, any big equipment, even his lawn mower turned into a "quad".

Don and Ruth visited their children as often as possible. Don loved his trips to Nevada to camp and hunt with Clint's family.  When they visited Kevin's family, Grandpa Baker loved playing board games and being silly with his kids and grandkids.  Charlene has fond memories of camping with mom and dad.  Don always wanted to help others without needing anything in return.

Ruth spent the last years of her life helping Don due to his health getting worse and then Alzheimer's settling in. The family was not close by miles but in the heart he was always there for us.

Don entered the Pleasant View Good Samaritan Home in Corsica, SD in December 2015. He also had a brief stay at the Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell.  We express our gratitude to the staff for their willingness to do what needed to be done to make Don comfortable.

Donald is survived by four children, Charlene Fisher (Sioux Falls, SD); Kathy (Jim) Roling (Piedmont, SD);  Clint (Nancy) Baker (Sparks, NV); and Kevin (Jeni) Baker (Duluth, GA); 11 grandchildren:  Edgar, Jessica, William, Sara, Greg, Amber, James, Amanda, Charlie, Bailee and Hanna; 8 great-grandchildren: Alexandria, Destiny, BreAnna, Rebecca, Colten, Asher, Easton , Amelia and Gwenevere; and 3 great-great-grandchildren:  Madelyn, Braylon and Aaralin.  He is also survived by his brother LaVerne Baker (Sioux Falls).

Donald is preceded in death by his parents; his wife and his daughter Kristine Baker