Donald Jantz Baker, Sr.

Donald Jantz Baker, Sr., 78, husband of Carolyn Westbury Baker, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, January 17, 2025, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Rev. David Mullins, Rev. Jakie Walters, Rev. Steve Mims and Rev. Nathan Griffith officiating.  A burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The pallbearers will be Raymond Knight, Brady Crook, Tyler Crook, Mike Metts, Thomas J. Baker and Johnny James.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Roy Judy, Wayne Way, Eddie Heaton, Pinky Guerard, Myles Knight and Barry Crook.  The visitation will be at 10:00 AM followed by the service.

Donald was born on April 17, 1946, in Harleyville, SC, a son of the late John Harry Baker and Addie Leonia Moorer Baker.  He was a 1964 graduate of Harleyville Ridgeville High School where he excelled in all sports.  He worked for the family business, Star Redi-Mix  as a manager of the Santee Plant.  He was an avid motorcycle rider with his best friend, Roy Judy and raced go carts.  He was a member of the Harmony Lodge #61 AFM St. George.  He had a great love for horses and was a proud member of the South Carolina Thoroughbred Association, having won South Carolina Breeder of the year and several other accolades in the horse racing industry.  He owned Sweet Magnolia Farms, raising Charolais cows and harvesting coastal hay.  He remained active throughout his life and was engaged in softball for many years traveling around the state.  He also enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports.  He was an active member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where he was a deacon, song leader,  and choir member.  He served in the South  Carolina Army National Guard St. George Unit and the US Reserves.

He was predeceased by his sisters, Ella Claire Eddins, Ernestine Baker DeMonge and Joanne Baker Bessent.

Surviving is his loving wife of 59 years, Carolyn W. Baker;  his daughters, Shelby (Clayton) Ferguson, Ridgeland and Tracy (Kevin) Reeves, Reevesville; a son, Jantz ( Holly) Baker, Summerville ; grandchildren, Addie Daveron Reeves, Sabine Tullie Reeves, Ellington Carol Baker, and Miller Austin Baker; a brother, John F. “Buddy” (Linda) Baker; and, mother-in-law, Jackie Lynch Westbury.   

The family would like to thank Crescent Hospice for their care and love during this time. 

Memorials may be sent to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 114 Baptist Drive, St. George, SC 29477.

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