Wayne E. Baker passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on the morning of April 23, 2022 at his home near Bradford. Wayne was born on March 27, 1942 to Emerson and Ethel Mae (Fraze) Baker in Winchester, Indiana. He spent his early years growing up among family in Saratoga, Indiana. In the late 1940s the family moved to Darke County where Wayne would make his life.
Wayne was a 1960 graduate of Greenville High School. He joined his father milking on the family farm on Bishop Road and worked part time for Hayworth Construction. Wayne would go on to become a successful ag-business representative in the county winning numerous awards with multiple companies. He proudly wore the uniform of the Greenville Fire Department in the 1970s. Later in life, he became a loader and “pod wrangler” for Emery Freight in Dayton. Wayne was a long-serving Washington Township Trustee representing his Wildcat Road neighbors for many years.
In addition to these experiences, Wayne was a devoted Great Darke County Fair supporter from childhood and an employee for nearly 50 years. He could be found keeping the insect population down by spraying around the buildings and trash cans early in the morning. In the 1970s he was busy answering the mic tent call for blown fuses and bulb replacements as he assisted Bill’s Electric. During his years in the ag-business, Wayne also ran the sprayer to wet the racetrack when sulky races were running. In 2019 to honor his years of dedicated fair work Wayne was asked to serve as the Great Darke County Fair’s Parade Marshall.
On July 30, 1963, Wayne married the late Dee Dee (Holloway) Baker. The two would be married for 53 years. Together they raised four children: Donald (Kristen) Baker, Kristi Baker, Scott (Kim) Baker, and the late Michael Baker. He is survived by grandchildren Brittany Clouse, Lyndsay Horkey, Kameron Baker, Alexis Stewart, Ashleigh Baker, Nicholas Baker, Mollie Baker, and Kyle Hall and by numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Following Dee’s death, Wayne married Elizabeth Delk, who had owned and operated the Stonehedge Tea Room. They spent five happy years together.
In addition to his wife, children, and their families, Wayne is survived by his sister Martha Baker House of Eaton, and cousin Norma Ruth Magill Chaney of Greenville. His Memorial Service is planned for May 21 at 1:30 pm at the Darke County Fairgrounds Gazebo. Memorial contributions may be made to the Darke County Ag Society in memory of Wayne Baker, 800 Sweitzer Street, Greenville OH 45331.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Baker family.