Lieutenant-Colonel Donald Raymond Baker

After a lifetime of adventure, accomplishment, and service to our nation, Lieutenant-Colonel Donald R. Baker passed away peacefully on November 9, 2021 at his home in Marlton, New Jersey. Don is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Fathiyeh; his children Cindy, Darren (Angie), Scott (Kathy) and Kenyette (Bret); his grandchildren Jennifer, Alan, Derek, Nila, Roya, and Soren; siblings Larry, Alan (Teri), and JoAnn; In-laws Faezeh (Saeed), Fereshteh (Behnam), Reza (Patricia), Fahimeh (Jalil) and nieces and nephews. Don began his life journey on March 29, 1935, in Tama County, Iowa, to Lilburn and Frances Baker. He grew up on a farm in Iowa with his three siblings JoAnn, Larry and Alan. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering in 1960 from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration in 1972 from Auburn University. After college, Don was commissioned in the US Air Force as a pilot, finishing pilot training at Craig AFB, Alabama in 1962. During his 26 years of Air Force service, Don accumulated nearly 6000 accident-free flying hours in multiple transport aircrafts, most notably the C-141. Don traveled the world through his assignments and always managed to bring back home stories of exotic foods and culture for his friends and family to enjoy. Following post assignments over the years including Washington State, California, Philippines, Republic of Vietnam and the United Kingdom, the Air Force returned Don to flying duties with the 18th Military Airlift Squadron at McGuire AFB, New Jersey, where he met his wife Fathiyeh Pedram Jones. Don’s military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Air Medal, the Joint Services Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm. Following his retirement from the United States Air Force in 1987, Don moved into the home inspection business for 29 years. Throughout the years of military service and his post-military career, Don’s favorite pastimes never changed -- traveling, gardening, cooking, baking, enjoying delicious foods and great company. He was a devoted and dedicated husband to Fathiyeh. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He will forever be remembered by friends and extended family as a kind and caring human being who opened his heart and home and never hesitated to help. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at Givnish of Marlton, 398 East Main Street in Marlton, NJ, on Friday, November 19th, from 10 am to 11 am. A service will begin at 11 am. Interment will be at 1:30 pm at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veteran Memorial Cemetery, 350 Provinceline Road, Wrightstown, NJ. Don’s service at the funeral home and military honors were recorded, and can be viewed using this link and clicking on events: https://my.gather.app/remember/donald-raymond-baker Alternatively, you can select the "Photos and Videos" Tab (on your PC), or the "Media" tab (on your phone) and click on "Services".

Tributes

Lieutenant-Colonel Donald Raymond Baker

March 29, 1935 - November 9, 2021