Don Lee Baker, 78, climbed the stairway to heaven June 27, 2024 in Wichita, Kansas at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice surrounded by family in his final moments. He was born in Wichita, Kansas on September 29, 1945, to parents Earl William Baker and Avis (Stewart) Baker. He attended Wichita West High School studying drafting and played clarinet in the orchestra and marching band. Don enlisted in the Navy and served as a draftsman for the Fleet Intelligence Center Pacific from 1966-1970. Following his enlistment he graduated from the California College of Arts and Crafts and worked at Landor and Associates, San Francisco developing packaging designs for Revlon, 7-Up and Squirt. Don spent the last 30 years living in New Boston, Michigan. He began Baker Designs, consulting business offering his expertise on packaging and interior designs. After retirement Don studied massage therapy and started a neuromuscular therapy business, SomataPoints, working with physicians and clients to alleviate pain. Following his final retirement, Don concentrated on wood carving, scrimshaw, and knife making. He loved talking to people about art, attending many shows in the Michigan area demonstrating his scrimming techniques. He always was willing to teach and encouraged guests to try the arts and to appreciate color and design. He was a favorite guest speaker to many of the local gem and mineral, and carving clubs to talk about his crafts. He was particularly interested in Native American culture, producing many pieces in the genre. He loved to travel, seeing the beauty of the world and immersing into the cultures. Don was very fond of the Dobermans he rescued from Second Chance Dobes and they returned the love. His admiration and dedication to the breed was unsurpassed. Don was a member of the Wyandotte VFW, was a member of the riders group and was known as Dog Man.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Avis. He is survived by his sister Jeannie Burkhardt (Charles), nephews Scott Burkhardt (Misty) and Seth Burkhardt (Jennifer), grand nephews Cole and Grant, grand nieces Kayla and Mia.
Memorial services will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated in his memory to Special Needs Dobermans, Attn: Sponsor a Senior Program, 144 Road 2776, Aztec, NM 87410 noting your sponsorship of Second Chance Dobes in Clinton, MI on the donation.
Baker Funeral Home in Valley Center is in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com.