Douglas Kenneth Baker
September 23, 1945 ~ February 23, 2020
Douglas Kenneth Baker, 74, Indianapolis, passed away February 23, 2020. Mr. Baker was born September 23, 1945, in North Carolina, to the late Douglas H. and Rosalie (Callaway) Baker.
He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Dayton in 1968 and taught at the junior high level in Germantown, Ohio for a number of years. In 1982, Mr. Baker graduated with a Master of Ministry Degree from Earlham School of Religion, Richmond, Indiana. He served in the ministry for 25 years in Wilmington Yearly Meeting (OH), New England Yearly Meeting, and Western Yearly Meeting (IN). He served at Cincinnati (OH) Friends Meeting, Jamestown (OH) Friends Meeting, Allen’s Neck (MA) Friends Meeting, Mattapoisett (MA) Friends Meeting, and at West Newton (IN) Friends Meeting. Always a learner, he enjoyed studying history, philosophy, and science. He was also an accomplished pipe organist. His memory will be cherished by a loving family and many friends.
Survivors include his wife, Wanda Coffin Baker, to whom he was united in marriage July 11, 1980; sons, Douglas H. “Howie” Baker (Beth Bohannon Baker) of Kentucky, Kenneth A. Baker (Natsuki Baker) of Indianapolis; daughter, Elizabeth Frances Baker of Ellettsville; brother, John Baker of Ohio; sisters, Debbie Baker (Sheri Coleman) of Ohio and Vickie Hensley of Ohio; three grandchildren, Nana Baker, Amaya Baker, and Will Baker.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville. The memorial service will follow at 3 p.m., with Phil Gulley officiating. Doug enjoyed following politics and particularly the pursuit of peace, equality & justice through our political institutions; as a result, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), 245 Second St. NE, Washington, DC 20002. Memorials may also be made to Joy’s House, an adult day care who serve their their elderly guests with dignity and affection, 1615 Castle Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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Always enjoyed Dougs wit and charm! Especially enjoyed his ministry to me on the piano and in our conversations. I will always remember him as being soft spoken and compassionate. You are all in my thoughts and prayers as you walk through the days to come. Love, Jamie and Carol Lyon and family
Doug’s smile was infectious and I was blessed to be in his presence on several occasions. God rest his gentle soul and give Wanda and the family comfort and peace.
Wanda, I’ve been thinking about Doug. I sensed gentleness and a sense of wit and humor in him. I am holding and will hold you in the Healing Light of God.
What a beautiful, playful, and reflective, truth-telling soul Doug was and is. He was a great encourager to me when I was first bringing messages at West Newton and always had that loving twinkle in his eye (even when I knew he didn’t recognize me anymore). With a heart of gratitude for all he added to my life and much love to Wanda and the kids, I am holding all in God’s light.
Doug was a delight. Yes,I too found Doug beautiful, playful, reflective, truth telling, with a loving twinkle in his eye. My heart aches for Wanda and her gentle soul, and the children & grands for their loss. Phyllis Paulsen
Wanda and family, I send my sympathy at the passing of Doug. At WYM gatherings he always spoke to me and smiled. I can see him playing the organ at WYM events. I remember that Ellen Stanley was so glad to have you as F/friends in New England Yearly Meeting. May God comfort you in the days ahead. Marilynn Bell
Doug’s humor, storytelling, enjoyment of people and music, and love of God will be remembered. I am thankful that his life intersected with my family’s life, too. Wanda, Howie, Kenny and Elizabeth, please know that you are being carried in love, prayer and Light by many people. – Della Stanley-Green
I did not know Doug well…but I knew him through the ministry of Wanda Baker. I was taken by Doug’s sense of humor and thoughtful intelligence. He was a calming influence and I would have liked to have known Doug when he was full force because he had a sparkling intellect and very eloquent. My prayers to Wanda, Howie, Kenny and Elizabeth and my apologies for not being able to make it to the funeral due to the weather. IHS…Mark A. Tope
The times I met Doug he was always light hearted and kind. We are sorry for your loss! May God comfort you in your grief and bring peace to you!
In Doug I found a caring heart. In Doug I found deep conversations laced with kindness, thoughtfulness and humor. In Doug I found an honesty of character best described in the words of the great theologian, Popeye the Sailor Man: “I yam what I yam and dats what I am.” In Doug I found wise comments filled with goodness. I liked Doug. Still do.
Doug was always a kind presence and gentle, a talented musician and truly loved his family. Prayers for Wanda, Kenny, Howie and Elizabeth and grandchildren