Where Food, Drinks & Stories Are Shared
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David Baker

October 19, 1944 - October 3, 2014
Schoolcraft, MI

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Visitation

Monday, October 6, 2014
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900

Food and refreshments will be shared and a rosary will be recited at 8pm.

Driving Directions

Service

Tuesday, October 7, 2014
2:00 PM EDT
St. Catherine of Siena Church
1150 W. Centre Ave.
Portage, MI 49024

Followed by a reception in the church hall.

Web Site

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute Prostate Cancer Research - Dr. Heath
4100 John R, Contributions-VEO1FS
Detroit, MI 48201

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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When reflecting on the life of David “Lefty” Baker, words such as compassionate, witty, optimistic, sassy, and loving come to mind among many others, but perhaps what will he his lasting legacy was his heart that beat to selflessly give to all who were within his reach. He had a contagious zest for life and a fun-loving spirit that made him such a kid at heart at times. David traveled the world over, but nothing was better than being surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren who were all his greatest source of pride and joy. He was a vital part of the community he called home throughout much of his journey, and through the life he lived each day he was an inspiration to all who were near. Although life will never be the same without David here, the priceless moments he shared with countless others will never be forgotten.

During the first half of the 1940s countless young servicemen and women were deeply entrenched in WWII overseas. Back at home industry was focused on meeting wartime needs while rationing on common goods became a way of life. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1944 that was a year to celebrate in the lives of Ross and Celia Baker as they were blessed with the birth of a healthy baby boy on October 19th in Hillsdale, Michigan. David Ray was the third of four children in his family and was raised on a dairy farm in Jonesville where he lived a very simple life.

In many ways David experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of his generation. He learned how to work hard at a young age as he was required to help out on the farm. Blessed with quick feet, David was a competitive tap dancer before entering high school at local schools. While a student at Jonesville High School he played the saxophone and was also an integral part of the basketball team. Although he was only five foot three, David was an incredible point guard who was all state in basketball and also played catcher and short stop on the baseball team. After graduating from high school David went on to Albion College for basketball as he had planned on becoming a teacher and coach. After one year he transferred to Western Michigan University where he graduated in December of 1966 with his teaching certificate.

Not to be forgotten during his years in college was his introduction to the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Carol McCaslin, and they were set up by mutual friends to meet one another at a Halloween party. It took him two weeks, but David eventually called Carol, and the two began dating. Not long after, they were deeply in love. The sweethearts were married on August 13, 1966, at St. John’s Church in Jackson. The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon to Mackinac Island as well as to see David’s brother in Boston.

The new couple began their married life in Mattawan where they were blessed with the births of two daughters, Lori and Colette. They moved around quite a bit as the Bakers lived in Lawrence, Portage, Big Rapids, Portage, and then Schoolcraft. While in Mattawan David taught math and coached both varsity basketball and varsity baseball at Lawrence High School for about ten years. From there David worked on small business accounting and then joined Ryder's Auto Service where he spent the rest of his career as a certified auto mechanic. He liked working on the cars, but even more he loved interacting with people, building a rapport and establishing relationships. David's love for accounting followed him throughout his career as he and Carol had a small income tax business and he provided accounting support for small businesses in the area. He was the eternal optimist who was always looking for the next big thing in business. With this in mind, David spent five years raising red worms.

Although he enjoyed his work, David loved filling his leisure time with a variety of his interests. Once in Schoolcraft David and Carol both became very involved in supporting the Schoolcraft Eagles Athletic Boosters. He also supported the Schoolcraft football team for over 30 years working in the booth for each home game. In addition, David was an assistant coach of the Schoolcraft varsity baseball program during his son-in-law’s tenure. He was thrilled when he could combine his passion for sports and his love for his grandsons as he rarely missed one of their games whether it was football, basketball, baseball, or soccer. It was easy to see that David adored his four grandsons as he never shied away from talking about what each of them was doing, and he always had their latest pictures in his wallet ready to show anyone and everyone. He was an avid golfer for as long as his health allowed, and he also enjoyed cooking in his smoker, watching any kind of sports on television, and satiating his sweet tooth or enjoying a cold beer. For several years David and his family camped starting in a tent and later graduating to a travel trailer, and they went to a different place in Michigan each time for several years. He traveled a bit farther from home, too, as they went to Ireland, Hawaii, New Zealand, Fiji, and Austria for an entire month. Cruises were another one of David’s favorites. Many of David’s travels with his wife took place in February with a group of three couples who kept with their annual traveling tradition for around 25 years.

All who knew David Baker would certainly agree that he was the heartbeat of wherever he went. He was positive and upbeat, which made him a stranger to none and a friend to all. Although David was a rule follower and a perfectionist when it came to his lawn, he was also known to procrastinate for as long as he could. He was a Tigers fan, a world traveler, and an enthusiastic part of the community he called home for much of his life, but the role he treasured most was being a family man - especially a grandfather. David's quick wit, sparkling smile, and spirit of selfless generosity will be greatly missed. The memories he leaves behind will be forever cherished.

David (Lefty) Ray Baker died on October 3, 2014. David’s family includes his wife, Carol; children Lori (Kevin) Lockhart and Colette (Courtney) Jasiak; special 'daughter' in his heart Angie (Kline) Landis and her family; 3 brothers; many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews; and his grandchildren, Ryan & Kyle Lockhart and Evan & Aaron Jasiak. David was preceded in death by his parents, Ross and Celia Baker. Visit with David’s family and friends while sharing some food and refreshments on Monday from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home – Betzler (6080 Stadium Dr. 375-2900) where a rosary will be recited at 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday 2:00 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church followed by a reception in the church hall. All are welcome to attend and celebrate the wonderful life of David. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his guest book before coming to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in David's honor to: The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute - Prostate Cancer Research - Dr. Heath, 4100 John R, Contributions-VEO1FS, Detroit, MI 48201.

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