Darwin Jay Baker's Obituary
Darwin Jay Baker, age 65, passed away on Tuesday, May 10 in Fayetteville, Arkansas following a brief battle with cancer. He was born on October 25, 1939 in Red Oak, Iowa to William and June (Mellott) Baker.
Darwin graduated in 1957 from Stennett High School in Iowa and attended Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Missouri.
In 1977, Darwin became the owner of National Account Systems in Lincoln, Nebraska and later expanded his business to a second location in Fayetteville. He also owned Premier Telecommunications in Fayetteville. He served as President of both the Nebraska and Arkansas Collectors Associations and was a leader in the collection industry and in his community. He was a Deacon and an active member of the Rolling Hills Baptist Church.
Darwin was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a dear friend to many. He was a "gentle man" who touched the lives of all who knew him. He will be remembered for his warm smile, generous heart, and kind spirit. He enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling around the globe with his wife.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Jackie, of Fayetteville; children, Scott Baker and wife Kim of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Steve Baker and wife Cindy of Springdale, Arkansas; Lisa Lohr and husband Todd of Omaha, Nebraska; Lisa Winkelman and husband John of Fayetteville; Shelly Davis and husband Brian of Lincoln, Nebraska; step-brother Marshall Estes of Aurora, Colorado; twelve grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Visitation will be on Friday, May 13 at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home from 2 to 9 p.m.with the family present to greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 14 at Rolling Hills Baptist Church in Fayetteville with the Reverends Dennis Wood, Steve Sheely, and Eric Holt officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rolling Hills Baptist Church 1400 Rolling Hills Drive Fayetteville, AR 72703 or the American Cancer Society 3291 South Thompson, Ste. D104 Springdale, AR 72764.
Visitation Date Time Friday, May 13, 2005 2:00 PM until 9:00 PM with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM Visitation Location Nelson-Berna Funeral Home Service Date Time Saturday, May 14, 2005 10:00 AM Service Location Rolling Hills Baptist Church in Fayetteville
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