Don Robert Baker, 80, of Richmond, MO, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, in Columbia, MO, as the result of a hemorrhagic stroke.

Don, always called Donnie, was born on April 29, 1941, on a farm near Lathrop.  He was the second son of Elvin George Baker and Mary Edith Allen.  His parents and two brother, Richard Allen Baker and George Lee Baker, preceded him in death.  Brother, John Robinson Baker of Lawson, MO, survives.

He was blessed with three children from his first marriage: Shannon Leigh (Gary) Stroud of Lawson, MO, Rev. Stefan Kirk (Kristi) Baker of Joplin, MO, and Michael Brent Baker of Lawson, MO.  He has six grandchildren: Jesse Lee Stroud, Leigha Denise Redman, Kati Jean Shelton, Stefani June Mitchell, Coleman Don Baker, and Brock Michael Baker.  He also has two great-grandchildren.

In February of 1991, he married Sharon Kay Ross Proffitt of Richmond, MO, who survives of the home.  This extended his family with the addition of another son, Michael Dwayne Proffitt, and grandson, Davin Ross Proffitt, both of Richmond, MO.

Don attended school in Lawson, MO, graduating in 1959.  After graduation, he began his lifelong career as a brick mason.  He was very particular about his work and had the ability to create some outstanding jobs from brick or rock.

As a hobby, he loved horses, owning and training his own cutting horse.  He was a man of many talents and he was always willing to help his friends, family, or anyone in need.

Don was a member of the Lawson United Methodist Church.  In later years, he attended the Richmond United Methodist Church.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Antioch Cemetery.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Don will lie in state from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 15, 2021, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.  Graveside services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, August 16, 2021, in Antioch Cemetery, Norborne.  Please remember to share your memories of Don by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.