Donald J. "Don" Baker, 81, of rural Spencerville, passed away peacefully at 8:44 AM Friday, November 26, 2021 at his residence, with his loving family at his side.

He was born April 28, 1940 in Auglaize County, the son of the late Donald A. and Melinda Ruth Bowersock Baker. On May 10, 1958 he married Margaret L. "Peggy" Hirn, who survives, along with their son Don A. "Bud" (Jodi) Baker and son-in-law Terry Laman, both of Spencerville; grandchildren; Amanda Pastoria of Myrtle Creek, OR., Jessica (Gary) Horton of Delphos, Tonya Baker of Cincinnati, Katie Laman of Spencerville and Cody (Stephanie) Laman of Catlettsburg, KY; step-grandchildren, Cassie (Steven) Plaugher of Lima and Leah Joseph and Brandon Joseph, both of Lima; 9 great grandchildren, 7 step great grandchildren and his brother Stanley (Helen) Baker of Rockford.

Don was preceded in death by his daughter Tandy Laman and sisters Bonnie Myers and Evelyn Williams.

He served in the U.S. Navy Airdales for 7 years and spent two tours aboard aircraft carriers in Vietnam. He graduated from 3 Naval Schools and the California Contracts Law in Receda, CA. Don was a life member of VFW Post 6772, American Legion Post 191, both of Spencerville and the Elks Club in Van Wert. He had owned and operated Baker Welding and Metal Fabrication Companies in Taft, CA., Oakland, OR. and Spencerville, OH. and served 12 years as a Spencer Twp. Trustee. He was an avid sportsman and loved golfing. He and his wife lived in and traveled in their motorhome for 20 years, making it to all 48 states and also Alaska, with their pickup truck, loaded with their motorcycle, in tow. Don lived a wonderful life with his beautiful family and had many friends, and was loved by all.

A Celebration of Life service will be 4 PM Wednesday at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville with Pastor Andrew J. Atkins officiating. Military rites will follow at the funeral home by the Navy Honor Guard and the Spencerville Veterans. Burial will be at a later date in The Spencerville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1 until 4 PM Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to St. Rita's Hospice.

Condolences may be sent to tbayliff@woh.rrt.com.