Donald Edward Baker, of Lincoln, loving husband and step-father, passed away January 7, 2021 at the age of 88 with his bride and family by his side. Don was born February 13, 1932 in Fremont, NE, and raised in Falls City, NE by parents Ralph and Erna (Gerhardt) Baker. He graduated from Falls City High School in 1949, and earned his Bachelors in Philosophy from University of Nebraska – Lincoln in June 1959. Don was honorably discharged after serving 2 years in the US Army.
He was married to Glenda, his soulmate for 21 years. His life focused around his family and friends and his precious Yorkie Chloe. He lived life to its fullest which included travel and seeing the world. He was a connoisseur of fine wines, great food, loved his airshows, and being a Husker booster for 55 years. He supported our Armed Services through the Nebraska Navy League, Big Red Sub Club, and various naval endeavors. Don coined the term “dual priorities,” had quick wit and was unafraid to laugh at himself. He had an infectious smile and “git ‘er done” attitude while being kind, compassionate, and most generous to everyone. He really loved helping others succeed as demonstrated by his funding 3 high school Scholarships, (1) The Ralph and Erna Baker Scholarship, (2) the Brenner Twins Memorial Scholarship, and (3) the Falls City High School Scholarship Foundation. Don loved flying First Class, exquisite watches, fast cars, and did not take “no” for an answer. He was the greatest host and inclusive with everyone, known for saying ‘We’re never out of wine, and there are no alarm clocks here.’
Don was raised in the steam engine era influenced by his father with Missouri Pacific Railroad through the transition of the diesel engine in early 50’s; his schooling from a one-room Lutheran parochial schoolroom to graduating from UNL in 1959; and his career started first with IBM in New York maturing into founding the Cyclonaire Corporation in 1973 with 3 employees. He grew the company into an international business with pneumatic conveyor technology on 6 of the 7 continents. Don’s innovative approach has been internationally recognized by its positive impact on most Fortune 500 companies. Don pursued his entrepreneurship interests over 60+ years including ventures of Cyclonaire, Dairy Queen, and even spoke of Waffle Houses in Nebraska.
Don was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Erna Baker, his former wife Mili, his step-grandson Jeff and his life-long friend Alan Greenwood from Manchester England. He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Glenda; his step-son Bob (Tammy); his step-daughters Jennifer (Marco) and Jaime (Jason); grandchildren Dixie from Florida and Todd from Omaha; great-grandchild Ben from Omaha; his brother Charles N. Baker from Mineola, TX and several nieces and nephews and close friends.
Funeral Service: 10:30 am Thursday (1-14-21) Redeemer Lutheran Church, 510 South 33rd Street. Entombment in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 4-6 pm Wednesday at Roper & Sons South Lincoln Chapel 3950 Hohensee Drive
Memorials in Don’s honor can be sent to York Adopt-A-Pet, York, NE; Tabitha Journey House, Lincoln or Christ Lutheran Church, Falls City, NE.
A Celebration of Life for Don will be determined at a later date.