Baker, Donald Edward, Jr.

U.S. Air Force Veteran And Attorney

  • Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Donald Edward Baker, Jr.
Donald Edward Baker, Jr.

Donald Edward Baker, Jr., 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Titusville, Florida, on May 21, 2023.

He was born July 30, 1943 in Benton Harbor, Michigan. In 1951, the family moved to Tennessee, where he was raised in White Oak and attended Red Bank High School, class of 1961. He cherished his relationships formed during those years, which lasted throughout his life.

Mr. Baker attended the University of Tennessee, where he received a B.S. in Business Administration (Accounting), Bachelor of Laws and Doctorate of Jurisprudence. He served as an officer in multiple social and academic fraternities and clubs during college, and he remained active in those societies throughout his entire life. He was, indeed, a true Vol For Life.

Following law school, Mr. Baker served in the United States Air Force from 1967 to 1971, where he was a Missile Control Officer and later Judge Advocate General. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain. In his professional life, Mr. Baker was an attorney. In the 1980s, he joined TVA and worked for several years as a contracts negotiator until his retirement.

Mr. Baker was preceded in death in March 2019 by his beloved wife of 51 years, Betty Grace (B.G.) Johnson Baker. Survivors include two sons, Jon Baker, Austin, TX and Scott Baker, Chattanooga, TN; brother, Greg Baker, Franklin, TN; three grandchildren, Sarah Catherine Baker, Ty Baker and Maggie Baker, all of Austin, TX; and several nieces and nephews.

Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Tuesday, May 30, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415. Graveside services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m., at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.act.alz.org because Mr. Baker would have wanted it that way, as he loved his wife B.G. and had a great passion for this cause.

Visit the online obituary at www.lanefh.com to post tributes and share memories.

Arrangements are entrusted to Lane Funeral Home Ashland Terrace, 423 877-3524.


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