Donald F. Baker, 56, of North Versailles passed away Saturday morning at home surrounded by family.
Don was born on December 21, 1969 in Fairbanks, Alaska and grew up in Pittsburgh. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Baker, daughter Darian (Ethan) Shirey, and son Donnie Baker, as well as many family and friends. Grandfather to Calum and Clare Shirey, he loved being “Pap.”
A loving husband, father, and friend, Don is remembered for always caring for others and lending a helping hand. He was consistent, reliable, and trustworthy in everything he did. Don had a habit of always reaching for another goal and could not be stopped when he put his mind to a new task. He began life as a chef after graduating from the Pennsylvania Culinary School. He then went on to work in management, become a bus driver, and then most recently obtain his CDL license to operate construction vehicles.
He took on various artistic hobbies such as drawing, wood burning, but the most loved was playing music. He was always strumming his guitar and loved both teaching and playing for others. Later in life he took a love for motorcycles and bought his first Harley. He went on to buy another red Harley that was his pride and joy. He became an active member of the HOG Latrobe chapter where he took part in many beautiful rides with some of his closest friends logging many miles.
He was an active member of Linway United Presbyterian Church. He had a special love for their Christmas service which he would attend with his grandmother.
In the days prior he took comfort in being home and reminiscing about his life story.
Arrangements
Viewing hours will be 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6 at . . .
James F Kutch Funeral Homes & Crematory
433 Lincoln Highway
East McKeesport, PA 15035
Funeral service at 11 a.m. at the funeral home on Thursday, May 7. Burial to follow at Restland cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the family to help assist in funeral arrangements.
Please leave condolences below.
3 Comments
My deepest condolences for all of Donnie’s family and loved ones. Thank you for being my friend/ brother.
Often times going through heartbreak and trials we wonder why. Why it had to happen. Tragedies are all abound us but as hard as they are we can all take comfort in knowing their is always a greater plan than ourselves. I lost my brand new ivf baby last summer suddenly in a car crash by a complete stranger. Don’s plan was predestined long before his birth. He was my cousin Barbara Bakers husband. He was always kind and considerate to me always. Such a very tragic loss but Don indeed lived out the plan set and now is not lost we know exactly were he is. Even death has its limits. We as a family will all hold to the memories and Barbara will be ok in time. Death is so very hard especially when it happens to those closest to us like our kids or spouse. I believe by faith life will get better and the path ahead for sweet Barbara, Donnie and Darian will be good because God is good always even when we cannot see.
Deepest condolences to the Baker Family. To a fellow bus driver that I known for ten years, he will be missed,
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