Birth Date:
1954-12-28
Deceased Date:
2008-03-17
Obituary:
ODESSA Donald Baker, 53, best husband, dad, peep & brother passed from this life on Monday, March 17, 2008.
He was born to Frankie Baker on December 28, 1954, in Odessa, Texas. He was raised by his beloved grandparents, Della and Frank Brown in Monahans, Texas. He married the love of his life, LaVona (Allison) Baker on August 24, 1973, in Odessa, Texas. Together they had their most prized possessions: Son, James Baker and Daughter, Tanya (Baker) Bedrick. Just when they thought life could not get any better, James gave them 2 granddaughters and Tanya gave them 3 grandsons.
Night and day, he was the backbone of McLean & Sons Inc. of Odessa for over 30 years. When he was not working, he loved to attend the grandkids ball games and in his "spare" time, he loved watching cooking shows and experimenting with his culinary talent. Before his grandkids and discovering his culinary talent, he was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing. He succeeded in overpowering his boss during a Cuba fishing trip when he won Champion Fisherman of the week by catching the biggest fish. Everyone that knew Donald could call on him day or night and he would be knocking at their door eager to help in any way possible whether it be physical work or emotional support. He was LaVona's rock and best friend.
Donald was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Della Brown, his mother, Frankie Baker Hall and his loving sister-in-law Donna Douglas.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, LaVona Baker, son, James Baker of Odessa; daughter, Tanya and husband, Luke Bedrick of Odessa; grandkids, Makayla and Cheyenne Baker, Caden, Coby and Caleb Bedrick; sister, Debbie Erskine of Midland; brother, Darren and wife, Doris Baker of Odessa; mother and father-in-law, Don and Fay Allison and numerous family and friends.
Family will welcome visitors on Thursday, March 20, 2008 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral home. His Celebration Service will be Friday, March 21, 2008 at 10 a.m. in the chapel at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home with graveside services to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Services will be officiated by Rev. Gary Douglas and Rev. Don Fankhauser.
Pallbearers are Darren Baker, Nils Allison, Rudy Rodriguez, Danny Walker, Tom Lovett and David Harris. Honorary pallbearers are Keith Stone, Matthew Allison, Jason Bushong, Gary Keese, Danny Hockett, Chris Hodge and Rudy Rodriguez, Jr.
Lord, thank you for giving him a heart of gold, a tender soul and so much compassion. So many have been blessed with memories of his life. We give the Lord thanks for the time he has given us with such a wonderful man. Peep will be greatly missed.
Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.
Published in Odessa American on Mar. 20, 2008