COLUMBUS
David J. Baker, 90, passed away on August 1, 2023.
David was born in Somerset, England. Raised with his two brothers by a single mother after his father’s untimely death. Many of his fondest memories were playing in the countryside with his brothers and cousins.
David entered the military after finishing a mechanical apprenticeship. He rose to the rank of Major in the British Royal Corp of Engineers. He spent most of his career as a cartographer mapping countries around the world. He was well liked by his colleagues for his work ethic and self-deprecating sense of humor.
In 1968, he married Hilary Baker and had two children (Avril Schutte and Karl Baker). His military career took him from England to the United States, Scotland and Bermuda. He retired in 1980 and went to work for a cartography company in Long Beach, California and then another in Huntsville, Alabama before retiring fully and relocating to Columbus, Indiana to be near his daughter and her family.
He was a much loved Papa to his seven grandchildren. A natural storyteller, he would spend hours on the floor or at the kitchen table, sharing stories of real and fictional characters.
David was passionate about giving back to the less fortunate in the community and with his wife, Hilary, started chapters of St. Vincent de Paul at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Huntsville, AL and St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Columbus, IN, supporting people with food, money and compassion.
David is survived by his two children and seven grandchildren. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, August 14, 2023, at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church; Father Clem Davis will be the celebrant. The Funeral Mass will livestream at saintbartholomew.org. A time of memorial visitation will be from 9 a.m. until Mass time Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Vincent de Paul Society, of St Bartholomew Catholic Church, 1306 27th St, Columbus, IN 47201.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Baker family at barkesweaverglick.com.
