Donald Hamilton Baker

January 28, 2025

Lancaster, SC – Donald Hamilton Baker of Lancaster, SC passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, surrounded by his family ending a wonderful life well lived. He was 91 years old, born in Sweet Springs, WV but lived most of his life in Covington, VA. In 2019, he and his wife moved to South Carolina to be closer to their children.

Donald retired from Hercules in 1996, with 32 years of service. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, Covington, VA, where he served as a Deacon, a member of the search committee and a member of the Berean Bible class. He was also a volunteer with Men of Mission. His hobbies included gardening and woodworking. He was an avid Baltimore Orioles and Indianapolis Colts fan.

After moving to South Carolina, Donald and Mary joined Van Wyck Presbyterian Church where Donald quickly developed friendships that seemed like lifelong friends. Donald is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Gaylor Baker of 68 years and their children; daughter, Dana Baker of Lancaster, SC and son Michael Baker (Matt Knox) of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by his sisters, Patricia Campbell of Union, WV and Doris Rowan (John) of Toledo, OH and a brother, Bob Baker (Janet) of Covington, VA and a host of nieces and nephews. Donald was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Schumaker Baker and his father, Russell Hamilton Baker, and a sister, Betty A. Baker.

A service to celebrate the life of Donald Baker will be at 1:00 PM Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Van Wyck Presbyterian Church, 5140 Old Hickory Road, Lancaster, SC 29720. The family will receive friends following the memorial service. Burial will be at a later date at Mountain View Cemetery in Sweet Springs, WV.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to Van Wyck Presbyterian Church, PO Box 68, Van Wyck, SC 29744 or to Via Health Partners Palmetto Region-Fort Mill, 1061 Red Ventures Drive, Suite 130, Fort Mill, SC 29707.

The family would like to thank Via Health Partners (formerly Hospice & Palliative Care Palmetto Region), especially Sam, Melissa, Nicole and Star for the care they provided the past four months, and to Senior Helpers, especially Mary and Brie for their attentive care.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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Comments

  • Wanda Mills

    Oh Mary I'm sadden to learn.....for what ever reason you have been on my mind lately. I didn't realized you all had moved....I want you to know I've always thought the world of you two...you were there for me in so.many ways. I have crazy fond and loving memories!...know I truly care and I'll try and reach out to you when things kind of calm down...I so understand and I'm glad you have Dana and Michael by your side.....love you bunches and know I'm lifting all of you up in prayer!.John 14:27

  • H.C. and Melody Rhodes

    “ Miss Baker “,

    We’re sorry to hear about Donald. So many fond memories of working at the bank in Covington with Mary. You are certainly in our thoughts and prayers.

  • Beth Crush

    My prayers are with the family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr. Baker was a kind man and always made sure the children were safe in our neighborhood.

  • Helen Jean and Ernie Fitzgerald

    A little over 52 years ago Ernie and I married and had the good fortune of moving next door to Mary, Donald, Dana, and Michael. What a blessing it was to watch Dana and Michael finish high school and college and go on to very successful vocations as well as avocations, and be active in their churches and communities. Our friendship has continued and grown over these 52 years, and we will certainly be in touch with Mary, Dana, and Michael frequently. We shall miss Donald very much. Ernie and he surely enjoyed their conversations, and they looked forward to those moments. Would we want Donald back after these last two years of severs health problems with great pain and discomfort? No! But one day we hope to join him inHeaven, and that will be a day of celebration just as his service will be one of celebration. Blessings, Helen Jean and Ernie

  • Robin Fornwalt

    So sorry to hear about Donald., he was a very kind person. I use to cut his and Mary’s hair when they lived in Covington. Sending prayers for his family.

  • Cindy Powell

    Dear Mary, I am so very sorry for the loss of your precious husband. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you, Cindy

  • Joyce Pettigrew

    So very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Dorian Runyon Miller

    Dear Mike and Dana,
    I am grateful to have known your Dad over the years. We served on many committees and boards together back in Covington. He was always the steady voice of reason.
    I know his greatest love was his family, evident in all he did and accomplished. My sincere condolences for your loss. May sweet memories replace your grief in due time.
    God bless and comfort you both,
    Dorian

  • Holly Massey

    Donald was one of my favorite people to talk to at church and I considered him my special buddy. Our spouses like to socialize and he and I liked to sit quietly in the corner. I learned so many amazing things from him about Covington, WV. He was such a kind person and always shared a big smile with me when he saw me. Our loss is Heaven’s gain and I am certain that Jesus is happy to see his loving servant. Prayers for Mary and the kids.

  • Patty Hendrix

    Michael so sorry for your loss . Both my parents passed away at 90 . I hope your father lived as beautiful a life as they did . Prayers and blessings.
    Love ,

    Patty

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