Donald L. “Donnie” Baringer, 54, died July 11, 2022, at his home. He was born August 19, 1967, in Hutchinson, to Douglas D. and Sharon S. “Shara” (Phillips) Baringer.
Donnie graduated from Cibola High School, Albuquerque, NM, and attended Hutchinson Community College. He was an accomplished welder, a talented artist, tremendous gardener, and could fix, repair, or remodel about anything. Donnie enjoyed helping his family and friends with home projects, no matter the size of the task at hand. He, along with his brother, Matthew Griffin, helped bring Oxford Houses to Hutchinson. Donnie worked at New Beginnings as a transitional job supervisor. In addition, he was instrumental in establishing the security department for New Beginnings. Donnie was always there for his family, friends, and clients, and he will be greatly missed.
Donnie is survived by: his mom, Shara Gonzales of Hutchinson; father, Douglas Baringer and wife Mikki of Hooker, OK; siblings, John Madio Gonzales of Tempe, AZ; Kilo Gonzales of Mesa, AZ; Sage Gonzales of Tempe, AZ; Matthew Griffin of Hutchinson; Miah Gonzales of Queens, NY; Samantha Canales of Fresno, CA; Gabrielle Gonzales of Hutchinson; and David Gibbs of Olathe; nephew, Keenon Gonzales of Hutchinson; aunt and uncle, Sally and Rick Berger of Atchinson and Belinda and David Crockett of Valley Center; aunt, Debbie Waldorf of Prairie Village; uncles, Tom Phillips of Hutchinson and Larry Edman of Madison, WI; and his special companions, Bubba and Smokie.
He was preceded in death by: his uncle and best friend, Jim Phillips; stepfather, Juan Gonzales; and maternal grandparents, Marti and Dan Phillips.
Celebration of Life service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 21, 2022, at Elliott Mortuary. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary. Cremation will follow the service. Private inurnment will be at a later date at Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson.