Donald (Donnie) Franklin Baker, age 81, passed away Monday, February 6, 2023, at his home in Lancaster, SC.  He was the son of the late Lee Edward Baker and the late Wilma Catoe Baker.  In 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Betty Bailey Baker. Donnie was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all.  Donnie became interested in the electrical field during his high school years while working with his good friend, Maurice Catoe.  He was the founder and owner of Baker Electric, Inc. for 55 years, serving both South Carolina and North Carolina.  Donnie's successful career allowed him the opportunity to contribute to the less fortunate.  He strongly believed in serving his church and his community.  He was a member of Hopewell United Methodist Church where he was a faithful contributor, using his resources, time, knowledge, and hard work.  He also served on numerous committees over the years.  In 2007, The United Methodist Men presented him the Wilbur Couch Award for his many years of dedicated and distinguished service to the Men's Ministry.  He was an avid Atlanta Braves baseball fan and a South Carolina Gamecocks' fan.  He enjoyed NASCAR racing and was a die-hard fan of the late Dale Earnhardt.  He also loved dirt track racing.  Years ago, on Saturday nights, you could find him at the Lancaster Speedway with family and friends cheering on the cars he proudly sponsored.  He was also a passionate outdoorsman.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf.  He also loved spending time with family and friends at his vacation spot at Springmaid Campground in Myrtle Beach. He loved using his John Deere tractors to keep his fields maintained.

Donnie is survived by his wife, Betty; a son, Jerry Baker, and his wife Vickie; a daughter, Donna Eubanks, and her husband Steve; a granddaughter, Anna Baker and her significant other, Josh Harwell; a sister, Shirley Taylor of Lexington, SC, and a grand puppy, Abbie.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A service of remembrance will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 10, at Hopewell United Methodist Church officiated by Pastor Renee Garrison, the Reverend Steve Patterson, and Organist Nannette Carnes. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm on the day of the service at Hopewell United Methodist Church Family Life Center.  The service will follow in the church sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Hopewell United Methodist Men, RE: Donnie Baker, 3734 Heyward Hough Rd., Lancaster, SC 29720.