Wayne E Baker

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 Horky, 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, Claudia Fraze Eley, and Scott Fraze of Greenville. His Memorial Service is planned for May 21 at 1:30 pm at the Darke County Fairgrounds Gazebo. If it rains the celebration will be moved to the Youth Building at the fairgrounds. Dress will be "fair casual" just as dad would dress. 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.