Dates
Donald Ray Baker, age 77, of San Angelo, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 15,2025.
He was born on December 5, 1947, to Leonard and Amy Baker of San Angelo. Donald graduated from Lakeview High School and began working for GTE soon after, until his retirement in 1997. He also proudly served his country in the National Guard, and was an honorary lifetime member of the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo. After his retirement from GTE, he stepped into what he considered his true calling, “a retail beverage distribution specialist”, at the famous Blaine’s Pub in San Angelo.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents and his eldest son Clint Baker.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; children Stacey Woodall and husband Michael of Winters, son Jason Sharpes and wife Melanie, of Ballinger; grandchildren, Hannah Parker and husband Jeff of Belton, Sam Woodall of Winters, Kyle Nealey of Ballinger, Ryan Nealey and wife Sierra of Ballinger, Ayrn Yanez and husband Blaine of Miles; brother-in-law Charles Manis of San Antonio; nieces Lainy Glasser of Temple, and Erika Martinez and husband Jorge of Lozano; and several great grandchildren. In addition, he had friends he considered family; Clay and Debbie Cross, Steve and Anna Forehand, John and Linda Walker, Bobby and Shiralon Stevens, Wayne and Sammie Matthews, the Ferguson family, Douglass Burdette, and “The Tribe”.
Known as “Pop” to his family, “Baker” to many and “Friend” to all, Donald lived his life in service to others. No matter if it was a task to be done or simply a kind word to be said, he handled everything and everyone with a loving touch and a steady presence that instantly put everyone at ease making it seem as though all was right with the world. He was a lover of good music, friendly neighborhood bars, road trips, cold Lone Star Beer, dancehalls, and good stories. There was no need for Google if you called for “facts from the Baker Almanac.” He touched the lives of everyone who knew him and we are all the better for it. Upon seeing him, the heavenly hosts rejoiced, for just as he went to meet Jesus, he heard, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Welcome home.”
Graveside services for Donald will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens at 11:00 AM, with a celebration of Life to follow at Blaine’s Pub.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Justin Jones, and the nurses of ICU and 4 South Med/Surg at Shannon Medical Center, and Hospice of San Angelo. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of San Angelo or a favorite charity.