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BAKER, COLONEL (RET). DAVID J., USAF, 66, of Louisville, formerly of San Antonio, TX died August 1, 2012 of melanoma while on vacation in Florida.
Born in Pittsfield, MA, Dave pursued his first career in the US Air Force and served in various executive posts both in Germany and USAF base hospitals as a medical service corps officer. After his retirement from the Air Force, Dave joined Humana Inc. as a Regional Executive Director of Humana Military Healthcare Services. In 2000, Dave was promoted to president and CEO of Humana Military Healthcare Services and served in this position until his retirement in January 2012. Dave held an MBA from the University of Florida and completed his undergraduate studies at University of Maryland as well as programs at the Air War College, Air Command and Staff College and the Squadron Officers School.
Dave was known by all who served and worked with him as a humble and inspiring leader. Dave possessed quiet and steady resolve in dealing with difficult and challenging leadership situations; for example, he coordinated the recovery mission after the Challenger disaster in 1986 while serving as Administrator at the Patrick Air Force Base military hospital in Florida. Dave was a key member of the Humana Military executive team and helped lead the implementation of the Humana Military Healthcare Services DOD contract in 1996 that today serves over three million military retirees and family member beneficiaries in the South and Southeast United States.
Dave was a member of St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church, The Military Officers Association of America, and was on the Board of Directors of the Frazier History Museum in Louisville. Dave's hobbies were visiting family, reading, playing tennis, and traveling. Dave told friends that he and his wife had the "trip of a lifetime" when they recently went on a European river cruise.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Colonel (Ret.) Wesley H. Baker, USAF, and mother, Thelma.
Dave is survived by his wife, Connie, of Louisville; daughter, Laura Rymes and husband William and his two grandchildren, Sydney and William (Quint) of Frederick, MD; sister, Susan Tarpley and husband, Ray of Kingsport, TN; and nieces Treva Tarpley and Elizabeth Corpstein, Kingsport; nephew, Anderson Tarpley, Nashville, TN and several grand nieces and nephews . Extended family members include Diane Baker, Niceville, FL; Jill and Scott Doyle, Minden, NV; Charles and Doris Steinman and Scott and Lynn Clark, Lancaster, PA; and Tara and Matthew Lightner, Denton, MD.
The family will hold a memorial service at St Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church, Louisville, on Friday, August 17 at 3 p.m.. The interment service will be held on Friday, August 24, 2012 at 1p.m. at Randolph AFB Chapel 1 with burial at the Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, where his parents are buried.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dave's name to the Wounded Warriors Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org or mail to P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675), the James Graham Brown Cancer Center (529 S. Jackson St. Suite 200, Louisville, KY 40202), or the Bayfront Medical Center Health Foundation (701 Sixth St. South St Petersburg, FL 33701). To send condolences please visit http://www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com/
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Connie,
I just found out about Dave's passing. I was shocked by the news as I had been out of the country at the time. Dave was a wonderful person and great representative for all of the military. I am honored to have worked with him at Humana Military.
Debbie Mattingly-Hallam
September 11, 2012
Connie, you and Dave's family are in my prayers. I enjoyed working with both of you at HMHS and several of us still talk about those times with fond memories. I did not know he was at Patrick for the Challenger disaster. Remember still where I was when I heard the news.
Darlene Armstrong
September 5, 2012
I had the pleasure to work at the Orlando AFO when Dave was the Regional Director of HMHS. He was a very kind and caring person. Thank you Dave for all you gave to your country, your co-workers and HMHS. You were truely a great example. To Connie and family, you are in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Michele Branham
September 5, 2012
I had the privilege of working with Dave at Humana Military from 1996 until my retirement in 2011. He was indeed an exceptional and well-respected leader - one who inspired quality performance and loyalty. Humana Military benefited tremendously under his leadership. I am certain his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all he touched. I am honored to have known him. Connie and family, Bill and I share in the sorrow of your loss.
Gayle Van Veen
August 31, 2012
What an incredible leader and friend Mr. Baker (Dave) was to all his fellow Humana Military associates. He will forever remain in our hearts and his spirit lives on in his family. Keeping you in my prayers.
Brenda Patino
August 26, 2012
I would like to share one more example of Dave Baker's expression of caring. In August of 1980 Dave, Mac McLean, and I were sent to Detroit to testify as Government witnesses. Detroit is my home town, so Dave and I stayed with my mother. The day after we left she called me to say that "nice young man" had sent her a beautiful flower arrangement. A simple thank you wasn't enough for Major Baker. My mother recalled that kindness many times later. (jerry Ahern, Chief Master Sergeant, USAF, Ret
Jerry Ahern
August 24, 2012
Our deepest sympathy. He will be missed.
TSC Associates - LRAFB
August 24, 2012
I have known David and his Mother, Father, and Sister since the early 60's.Our families were stationed at Gunter AFB in Montgomery,Alabama. David and I used to run together when we were in high school(he set a pace that was hard to keep up with even though I was a couple of years older)..We had many good conversations on those runs.I could tell a lot about his character and up-bringing. He exemplified what the Baker's were all about.The whole family is as good as it gets.David will be missed greatly by all who knew him.
Jerry Black,DVM San Antonio,TX.
August 23, 2012
I knew Col Baker during his tour at Keesler AFB in the mid 90's; he was the senior administrator and therefore mentored us junior officers. Always a gentleman and consummate professional, he reached out to us in many ways...we even talked him in to playing a round or two of paint ball with us captains and lieutenants. Such a good sport, I know he was splattered several times without complaint...but even now I refuse to rat on the junior officers who dared attack the good Colonel (it wans't me)! I was also honored to particpate in his retirement ceremony...he shed a gentle tear while voicing touching words of farewell; there are some moments in time that are never forgotten; that was one of them!
He impacted my life in many positive ways for which I am eternally grateful, and by reading the previous comments of others, there are many who feel the same.
May this be gentle and inspirational time for the Baker family.
Very Respectfully,
JAMES M. COHEN, Lt Col (ret), MSC
August 23, 2012
Deepest sympathies to the Baker family.
Altus AFB TSC
August 23, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Dave was an awesome leader.
Gay Stewart
August 23, 2012
I had the honor of working with Mr. Baker at Humana Military. I have never worked for a company where I knew the President/CEO by face and voice. I never worked for someone who could make everyone feel as though what they had to share was important. JaLinda Novak,RN,PCC Supervisor Human Military
JaLinda Novak
August 23, 2012
I had the pleasure of working with Dave at the AF Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base during the 80's. I enjoyed his friendship and pleasant demeanor. He was very successful in his military and post-military career, yet remained as humble as can be. He will be missed by us all. Know that God has welcomed him into his arms. Please accept our prayers and condolences.
Norm and Carmel Paulsen
August 23, 2012
It has been a great honor and privelege to know and work with Dave Baker. He always had a smile on his face, time for each and everyone and knew the associates by name. He truly was a kind and caring person who loved his family, his co-workers and his country. He will be missed greatly. My condolences to the Baker family.
Linda Lewis
August 23, 2012
What a great loss for Humana Military's family. Dave will forever be in our hearts as we were in his. Connie and family, my thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Adrian Veracruz
August 23, 2012
I was honored to have known and work for Dave since 2004. A very caring and personable individual that always made you feel more like a friend than a co-worker. I am so very sorry for your loss. God Bless.
Debbie Wheless
August 23, 2012
Deepest sympathies to the Baker family. Dave was a kind and caring gentleman in every sense of the word. Our prayers are with him. TRICARE Service Center Pensacola Staff
Al Hijuelos
August 23, 2012
Connie & Family - My heart goes out to you as I know the pain of loss from melanoma, too. As a HMHS employee, I never met your loved one in person, however I admired & greatly respected Mr. Baker from afar. His e-mails seemed so personal, as everything was dear to his heart, especially his employees. May your pictures bring you tears of only joy, your memories warm your heart, and God to still your soul. Peace to you all!
Theresa Poynter
August 23, 2012
You are missed, Dave!
Rebecca
August 23, 2012
Connie and family: My heart and prayers are with you. It was an honor to have worked with Dave for sixteen years at Humana Military. He will be truely missed. God bless.
Susan Allen
August 23, 2012
Was saddened to hear of Mr. Baker's passing. It was a pleasure to have been associated with him with the TRICARE Program. My deepest sympathy to his family. Respectfully, Kaye Sass, Tampa, FL
Kaye Sass
August 23, 2012
I was deeply saddened by the death of David (Dave) Baker. I know it is difficult to understand a loss like this, but we need to be mindful of the true blessing that he was to us. We have lost one of the kindest and gentlest people I have ever had the privilege to know. I am feeling your pain and sorrow at this difficult time. With heartfelt sympathy I share your grief in the loss of your loss one.
Lawana Holifield Ft. Hood Lead BSR,
Lawana Holifield
August 23, 2012
Dave Baker was my close friend for 34 years.We served in the Air Force Medical Service Corps together and with Humana Military since January 1996.Dave was a total professional during both careers and it was my honor and privilege to serve with him during both! My wife Sandy and I will miss him and our thoughts and prayers are with Connie and all of Dave's family.May God bless you all always! Col(Ret) Larry Burchfield (San Antonio,TX)
August 21, 2012
When I became an employee of Humana Military April of 2000, COL (Ret.) Dave Baker was in the key leadership role with the company. He did all he could to empower associates with the tools they needed to serve our customers. He inspired each associate to reach for their full potential. He always gave credit where credit was due. He was a true gentleman and strong leader that will never be forgotten. My heart is with Connie and the family at this time
August 20, 2012
Connie and Family: Col. Dave inspired us all to be just a little better...reach a little higher; he is missed already.
Cindy Hix
August 20, 2012
Connie and family, Dave's commemorative service in Louisville was so lovely. He would have been proud. I am so grateful the HMHS family was given this opportunity to say goodbye. There is comfort in knowing he is now free of pain and has truly been set free. I will treasure the commenorative card as a way to remember him fondly. May you find peace in knowing he is now free of pain.
Rose M. Royalty
August 17, 2012
Dave was truly an Officer and a Gentleman. It is a true honor to have known him and worked with him. Our most heartfelt condolences to Connie and his family. Dave will truly be missed.
Donna and Mark Rose
August 17, 2012
Our sincere condolences. Dave was sincerely a great leader and friend.
Melvin & Gwen Keitt Biloxi MS
Gwendolyn Keitt
August 17, 2012
It has been truly an honor to be part of a company with such dignified leadership as Mr. Baker. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Susan McCoy
August 17, 2012
Dave will be missed by his HMHS family.
Doris Javid
August 17, 2012
It was truly an honor to work with Dave and his passion for those we served. He was a great man who truly cared for others.
Lesley Graff-Vincent
August 17, 2012
What a wonderful experiece to have known Dave for forty plus years; both a fellow officer and followed by his superb leadership at Humana Military. His presence lit up every occasion and his profound wisdom was always "right on". We grieve with you, Connie, and the rest of the family. We are heartened by the honor to have known Dave as a friend. He personified the meaning of the word "Gentleman".
Don & Carolyn Lee
August 17, 2012
On behalf of General and Mrs. Ryan & Lt. General and Mrs. Roadman, sincerest condolences to the Baker Family. Colonel Baker is memorialized with a donation to The Wounded Warrior Project. Colonel Baker will be truly missed.
Lt. General and Mrs. Roadman
August 16, 2012
thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Mr. Baker was a very kind man, anyone who had the priveledge of knowing him was lucky to have met someone as genuine as he was.
Jamie H
August 16, 2012
A humble hero who truly cared for everyone. A smile always on his face, especially when Connie was with him. It was a Blessing to know you Dave. Connie, you know we all love you, and are here for you. God Bless you and the family.
Sherri Stovall
August 16, 2012
Learning of Dave's death was a terrible shock. Such a kind and respectful gentleman he was. Rest in Peace.
MaryKaye Steckler
August 16, 2012
Dave was a wonderful leader to our Humana Military family. I will miss his warm personality and smile the most. The entire family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Laresa Manion
August 16, 2012
To the family of Dave Baker. I pray that God will give you comfort, strength and showering you with his presence.
Mrs. Connisha Jarrett
August 15, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved. There are never any right words to express how deeply sad I am for the pain your family is enduring at this difficult time.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, I am sincerely thankful for his valiant service in defense of our rights and freedom.
His commitment to family, friends, our community, and to serving our great nation leaves a wonderful legacy. May the love and the wonderful memories you shared with him help you when you need it most. He will never be forgotten, and your family will be remembered in my prayers.
Senator Leticia Van de Putte
August 15, 2012
Dave Baker was a genuinely gifted leader and inspiring person. He will long be remembered for the success of Humana Military and his other great accomplishments. Mostly I will remember him as a great man and friend. Connie, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lanette Pritchard
August 15, 2012
I was fortunate to work with Dave at Humana Military. He was truly a fine person and a great leader. He will be missed. Connie, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cathy Hill
August 14, 2012
I only met Mr. Baker a couple of time, but everytime he seemed very interested in what we had to say. He was a true leader for Humana Military and with the angels caring him home another truimpets sounds with his arrival. One day at a time will help heal the loss of your life partner and one day you will meet again.
Kim Lane
August 14, 2012
What an honor it has been to work with Dave and count him as a friend for the past 16 years. He was a great leader and an amazing mentor. I know that much of my success is because he believed in me all those years ago. A great man who will be dearly missed.
Leslie Young
August 14, 2012
Like Dave, I am also a retired O6 working for Humana. I'm a pilot and had the pleasure of flying Dave on numerous flights. He was always the true example of an officer and gentleman. He will be truly missed. May he rest in peace and may the Perpetual Light shine upon him.
Bill Hayes
August 13, 2012
Dave Baker was a truly great person to work for... in so many ways. Those of us who had the privilege of working with Dave Baker in Humana Military will always remember him and all that he did for us. Thank you so very much, Mr. Baker.
Patricia McKeever
August 13, 2012
Through the years, I enjoyed working with Dave. I backed up every admin that was under his employ and I can say that He was a consummate professional. Dave truly cared for the employees. He knew each of our names and would always speak and say your name. This unique attribute will be truly missed. Connie and family, my prayers and thoughts go out to you. Dave will be missed and I personally feel the loss of such a gentleman. Keep smiling through the tears and you will see that the pain will lessen through each drop. I know they say that his hobbies were tennis and reading, but I most enjoyed seeing Dave glide on the dance floor. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers had nothing on Dave and you. "When two people love each other they don't look at each other; they look in the same direction. - Ginger Rogers" When I look at pictures of Dave and you,and remember the smiles on your face I see Fred and Ginger taking the graceful dance of life. What a beautiful dance partner you shared with the world. Thank God for your beautiful dance. Bless You!
Mary M. Thomas
August 13, 2012
It was a privilege to have known and worked with Dave. He always tried to lead with integrity. He will be missed. God rest his soul and give peace to his family.
Rose Nethery
August 13, 2012
Dave will be missed by all. He was a great man to work for. His sincerity always came from his heart. While he is in heaven looking down on us, may God bless and comfort his family during this difficult time.
Shirley Boucher
August 13, 2012
On behalf of the Board and Staff of the Military Officers Association of America, I wish to express our deepest sympathies to Colonel Baker's family. We were privileged to work closely with Dave in his capacity as CEO of Humana Military. We were always impressed with his willingness to help with any and all beneficiary needs or concerns. He was a real hands on people person and a wonderful gentleman who made an extraordinary difference in the lives of people he touched. In his memory, a donation has been made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Linda Speed
August 13, 2012
Dave Baker was the consummate officer and gentleman. He made every associate feel worthy and he made it a point to know your name.
Please accept my sincere sympathy to the family. May your memories of Dave fill you with peace during this time.
Sue Barlow
August 13, 2012
Dave Baker was indeed an Officer and a Gentleman. He was a caring individual who positively touched the lives of many. Thank you for your service Dave, and thanks for the example that you provided for all of us. Vaya Con Dios
Mike Payne
August 13, 2012
Colonel David Baker, was a true gentleman. It was a privilege to know him. Thanks to him I was able to achieve my career dream of being AF Medical Facility Administrator. He had a positive impact on so many of us in the AF Medical Service Corps. May his memory be eternal.
Major Robert Bonds, (Retired)
August 13, 2012
Dave will be missed by the many associates who knew and worked with him. He did his best for us and we will always remember him. God Bless Dave!
Lynn DeYoung
August 12, 2012
It was an honor and privilege to work with and know Dave Baker. Always the consummate professional, Dave worked with everyone he encountered with commitment and excellence. As vendors and friends, we cherished our time with Dave and his team and appreciated the opportunity to server under his leadership.
The world was a better place because of you.
Rebecca Miller, Miller & Associates
August 12, 2012
I was privileged to know and work with Dave for over 25 years, both in the U.S. Air Force Medical Service Corps and at Humana Military Healthcare Services. In both lives, he was always a leader who constantly gave his best for military beneficiaries, his colleagues and friends. He accomplished great things in his life and will be missed by all who knew him.
Col Gene Shields (Ret)
August 12, 2012
I was blessed with the opportunity to work for Dave Baker on two occasions: 1985-86 at Patrick AFB, FL and 1992-93 at Randolph AFB, TX. He was a person of great integrity, work ethic, and leadership ability. I credit him with having the singularly most positive impact on my career development and success in the Air Force. May God bless and comfort his family and all who knew Dave Baker. Ron & Kay Pearson
Col Ron Pearson (Ret.)
August 12, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss.
I work at Humana Military and I have met Dave several times and I found him to be the most approachable CEO I have ever met- very personable and always willing to greet you no matter what your job title- I thank him for all his hard work so that many of us have a job with a great company and have the opportunity to help military members just like him.
Amy Schocke
August 12, 2012
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