Mr. Donald E. Baker, 84, of Holly Springs passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Wake County, the son of the late Daniel Hardy and Virgie Amanda Miller Baker. In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert Lee Baker, Billy Ray Baker and D.H. Baker.

Donald owned and operated Baker Insulation for over 30 years. He loved to fish off the pier at Surf City and watch Westerns on television. Donald wore shirts with pockets that were always full of pens and notepads. He enjoyed spending time with his family and will be sorely missed.

Donald is survived by his wife of 65 years, Loretta Ann Baker of the home; daughter, Joyce Annette Baker of the home; sons, Kenneth Eugene Baker and wife Susan of Harnett County, Christopher Louis Baker and wife Camantha of Angier, Thomas Daniel Baker of Sanford and fiancé Karen McCray; grandchildren, Brian Baker, Brittany Candice Bryant, Zackary Alexander Duke, Amanda Brunette, Shelby Baker, Spencer Torrey, Stephan Torrey, Amanda Baker, Hannah Baker; 18 great grandchildren; brother, Beamon Baker and wife Elizabeth of Holly Springs; sisters in law, Helen Baker of Kipling, Elizabeth Jean Truelove of Holly Springs; brother in law, Thomas O'Neal Austin of Holly Springs.

The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:45 PM Friday, January 16, 2026, at O'Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home in Lillington. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM in the funeral home Chapel with Rev. Dr. Chris Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Westview Cemetery in Lillington.