Donald 'Don' Baker, 77

Donald “Don” Baker passed away peacefully at his home on June 2, 2021, after a brief illness. His wife Ardis and daughter Lynette were by his side.

Don was born on Nov. 22, 1943, in Eureka to Clarence and Opal Baker. He grew up with his family in Kalispell. Don attended Kalispell schools and then graduated from Flathead High School. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

After the Navy, he returned to Bozeman to attend and graduate from Montana State University. While there he met and married Ardis LaBrant

At the age of 37, he began his career in banking in Kalispell, finally retiring from Wells Fargo in Prescott, Arizona, after 27 years of service.

Don is survived by Ardis, his wife of 53 years, his daughter Lynette (Zak) Hoyt of Prescott, his grandson Dorien (Monique) Baker of Nampa, Idaho, and his daughter-in-law Erica Baker of Henderson, Nevada, his sisters Bonnie (late Hubert) McKenzie of Snohomish, Washington, and Betty (Bruce) Jellison of Somers, Montana, as well as many nieces and nephews; his brother and sisters-in-law, Floyd (Toni) LaBrant, Larry (Nancy) LaBrant, and Lois (late Dale) Lauman; and his grand- and great-grandchildren, Abbigail Baker of Henderson, Nevada, Harlan Hoyt of Prescott, Ethan, Audrey and Daniel Baker of Nampa.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Opal Baker, his son Darron Baker, brothers-in-law Hubert McKenzie and Dale Lauman, as well as many aunts and uncles.

A local service will be held on Aug. 2 at 10:30 a.m. at the Mission View Terrace community pavilion in Lakeside.

Thank you to the staff members of YRMC, Dignity Health, Touchmark at The Ranch and Maggie’s Hospice for their incredible compassion and care.