Donald “Butch” Burton Baker, 76, of Eldred passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 13 at UPMC Cole Hospital in Coudersport surrounded by his children. Fighting a hard and valiant battle with cancer and heart disease, he was finally overcome.
He was born August 11, 1945 in Olean, NY, the son of Fred M. and H. Pauline Baker. On April 25, 1964, he married his high-school sweetheart, Patricia Crandell, who survives.
Don graduated in 1964 from Otto-Eldred High School, where he lettered in varsity football and basketball.
Don enjoyed working with his hands, spending time in his garage building and fixing things, coaching youth sports, and being outdoors gardening, hunting, and golfing. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He will be remembered as a loving husband, dedicated father, adored grandfather, and generous friend who did things his way and never let you down when you needed him most.
In addition to his wife of 57 years, he leaves behind his four children Denise (Randy) Cussins of Eldred, PA, Lori (Paul) Damon of Cattaraugus, NY, Susan (Peter) Tyrrell of Akron, NY, and Donald (Tina) Baker of Eldred, PA; his grandchildren Gina (Michael) Brady, Ryan (Jonathan) Rosenswie, Jason (Elba) Keyser, Elizabeth Burns (Ceegan Danielson), Scott Hardway (Anna Frost), Shane Baker (Grant Duke), Joseph (Devon) Burns, Donald Baker, Mitchell Baker and Hannah Powers; seven treasured “great-grands” Ryley, Kellan, Julia, Ameliya, Nash, Beckham, and Ferren; sister-in-law Joyce Baker; sister Marlene (Jerry) Burrows; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his brother Fred Baker, sister Audrey Neily McDonald, and his parents.
Per his request there will not be traditional funeral services. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 19 at the Eldred American Legion at 2:00 PM. Frame Funeral Home is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fred P. Baker Memorial Scholarship Fund which will be awarded annually to a deserving Otto-Eldred High School student, c/o Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation, 301 North Union Street, Suite 203, Olean, NY 14760, www.cattfoundation.org, 716-301-2723.
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