Donnie Baker

Donald Lee "Donnie" Baker, 69, of Monrovia, passed from this life on Wednesday, May 18th, 2022, due to complications sustained from covid19 while battling with cancer, while in the care of Franklin Meadows and in the comfort of family. Raised near 3-Point Lake in Mooresville, his earthly journey began on June 25, 1952, in Beech Grove Hospital, where he was the runner-up of the six pack of children shared by the late Hilda "Carole" (Cottingham) and James Edward Baker, Sr. An all-American wild child, Donnie was the epitome of the crazy that comes along with having red hair. Attending Newby Elementary and Mooresville High School, he passionately shadowed his father, learning his skills and interests of racing and all things mechanical. He was most recently working at Ed Yoder’s Machine Shop in Mooresville, previously working in Hall with Melvin Baker, along with Indy Cylinder Heads in Wannamaker. A ‘matter of fact’ kind of guy, his work was pristine, and it spoke for itself. Celebrated at the Paragon Speedway, he proudly won the 2012 Bonner Class Trophy, along with receiving the Mechanic of the Year Award with Cooley Racing. A music lover, Donnie loved listening to bluegrass, classic rock, and country, while drinking a PBR, with a Lucky Strike dangling from his lip. A masterful cook, he could throw a full meal together with just about anything found in the kitchen cabinets. He met his love, Barbara Brown at the infamous Pat's Tavern in Mooresville, marrying in 1994. The two spent 22 blissful years together before her untimely passing in 2016. One to give the shirt off his back, even if he didn’t have much to give, Donnie was a laid back happy go lucky guy who never made waves and just went through life being his genuine self. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara, and his older brother, Eddie Baker. Survivors include his siblings, Rick Baker (wife, Mae) of Mooresville, Nancy Sichting of Greenwood, Kathie Wampner (husband, Jimmy) of Mooresville, and Jack Baker; nieces and nephews, Brian and Holly, Rick Jr., Brittni, Heather, Jamie, and Justin; Barb’s children, Gary Allen of Mooresville, Ricky, and Randy Allen both of Paragon, Rebecca Allen of Martinsville; along with a host of extended family members, in-laws and dear friends. Friends and family are invited to gather from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, with a Celebration of Life Service to begin promptly at 7:00pm, on Monday, May 23, 2022, in Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. A Graveside Services will take be conducted at 11:00am, on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hall. Services will be officiated by Chaplain Mike Mercer and the family will be gathering in the funeral home parking lot at 10:30 and depart on the dot of a quarter till eleven. Memorial contributions may be made to help the family offset final expenses c/o Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel, 585 E. Main Street, Monrovia, IN 46157. Envelopes will be available during services and online donation may be sent via https://paypal.me/LightMemorial. To share a favorite story, send a condolence or light a candle in his memory search @monroviafuneralhome on social media and visit his online tribute at www.lightmemorial.com.

Tributes

Donnie Baker

June 25, 1952 - May 18, 2022