Douglas Matthew Baker

Douglas Matthew Baker

Douglas Baker Obituary

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Doug Baker, age 52, of Columbus, passed away unexpectedly on August 17, 2022. He was born on June 25, 1970 in Upper Sandusky, Ohio and was a 1988 graduate of Upper Sandusky High School, where he played football, baseball, and basketball, setting the school's career scoring record for the latter which stood for 19 years. Doug attended Bowling Green State University, earning a bachelor's degree in journalism in 1992. He began his career as a writer for the Wapakoneta Daily News before moving on to similar positions at The Marion Star and This Week News followed by serving as the Public Information Coordinator for Pickerington Local Schools. In 2003, Doug became the Public Information Officer for Dublin City Schools, a position he held for over 19 years. In that role, he managed a wide range of communications for one of the largest school districts in Ohio, notably bringing joy to every school district student when his voice informed them that school was canceled due to inclement weather. Doug served as a youth baseball, basketball, and flag football coach in Dublin youth athletics for many years, coaching his beloved twin boys Jack and Sam on the court and in the fields. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing many rounds with his boys and dad, Tom. Doug loved Ohio State football and was hopelessly devoted to all Cleveland sports teams, supporting the Browns, Cavaliers, and Indians through good times and many times bad. He attended dozens of Bruce Springsteen concerts, traveling across the country to see The Boss perform live on stage. Doug is survived by his parents Tom and Linda; sons Jack and Sam and their mother Laura; sisters Amy and Jill (Eugene); and several nephews and a niece. He will be remembered for many things including his dry witted sense of humor, great laugh, and most importantly, his endless devotion to his boys, Jack and Sam. Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 10051 Brewster Lane, Powell, OH 43065. The family requests that no flowers be sent to the funeral home. Contributions can be made in Doug's memory at www.gofundme.com or by check payable to the "Doug Baker Memorial Trust Fund" and mailed to Newcomer Funeral Home.

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December 29, 2022

Michelle Vroom posted to the memorial.

September 3, 2022

Maria Ulrich posted to the memorial.

August 29, 2022

Robin Binkley posted to the memorial.

Michelle Vroom

December 29, 2022

I am stunned by this loss. I haven´t stopped thinking about Doug since I learned of his passing just days ago. Your son was one of my favorite people in my adult life. Our professional paths crossed many times. Both reporters at the same time in small Central Ohio towns for papers owned by the same company, we each made the leap into school PR within mere weeks of one another in neighboring districts. We took turns organizing regular luncheons with our colleagues in the Columbus area, him teasingly lamenting he would have to assume the role permanently when I (what turned out to be briefly) left public school public relations. Upon my return less than a year and a half-later, it was as a consultant for him for at least the next seven years. As my first client in what would be a 10-year stint as a solo practitioner, we would extol the power our little Dream Team and how much we could/would accomplish. But more than a colleague, he was my friend. He talked about his boys, their trips to Disney, coaching basketball, his forever aching back, and how we felt our "youth" slipping away as the years passed. I knew about you, his parents and (super smart) sisters. He knew my four children by name and we shared stories of parenting similar-aged children. On the subject of politics we held similar opinions and texted back and forth about election results. As former "serious" newspaper reporters, we had plenty of commentary about the feigned gravity of some television news stories, often letting one another know when weather reports of Armageddon began flying in. Neither of us understood the virtues of curling, the sport, and were shocked when the stone became an emoji for text messaging. And, anytime I read a story about The Boss on some fluff entertainment site, I would send the scoop his way. Phone nearly always in his hand, he would reply within seconds/minutes to any message, text or email. There was a breaking news story just recently we would have talked about-- dissecting what was shared with the media and what we would have done/not done. I never dreamt we one day wouldn't be able to do that. Family Baker, please know your son and father, brother and (fun)cle Doug is missed. I am deeply sorry for your loss. His memory will forever be held dear in my heart. With grief and love.

Maria Ulrich

September 3, 2022

To Tom, Linda and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss
You are in our thoughts and prayers!
We have good memories of Doug during our years at USHS, and the many years of my work at USHS.
Sincerely,
Sharon and Bob Mooney
Mark and Dawn (Soule) McQuown
Walt and Jodi (Soule) Stuermer

Robin Binkley

August 29, 2022

I´m so very sorry to hear of the loss of your son. My prayers are with you and his entire family at this time. Robin Binkley

Brenda Swihart Meyer

August 28, 2022

My heart goes out to the Baker family. I remember Doug well from our days at TUCC.

Jenny Batton

August 27, 2022

Amy,
Many caring thoughts and prayers are with you and your loving family. Wishing you comfort and peace today and the days ahead. With deepest sympathy as you honor and remember your brother.

Lisa Longenbaker

August 26, 2022

So very sorry for your loss. I worked with Doug at Dublin City Schools for the past 17 years, and briefly for him when his assistant resigned many years ago. He was a great guy and worked harder than anyone I know. My heart goes out to his family and especially his sons. Rest In Peace Doug.

Tracy Townsend

August 26, 2022

To the family: I'm so sorry. Doug was always kind and professional. He had a wealth of knowledge about the community and was so helpful when I'd call. It was a pleasure to work with him. I pray for your peace.

Carole and Tom Young

August 26, 2022

Sending prayers for strength, love, and peace for the entire family. Our arms surround you with compassion and a virtual hug.

Diane Eyestone

August 25, 2022

Dear Tom and Linda, I am so sorry to hear of Doug's passing. Please remember all the good times you had with him.

Lori (Eyestone) Hobbins

August 25, 2022

Deepest sympathies to Doug´s family. Always will remember running into him and his family at various sporting events that our children competed in. May your memories be blessings.

Jamie Meade

August 25, 2022

My deepest sympathy to Doug's family. He was a wonderful colleague in Dublin City Schools - and a great friend. I enjoyed his humor, dedication, and tremendous work ethic.

Becky Blocksom

August 25, 2022

Our hearts and love go out to you all. May you feel the arms of Jesus surround you everyday on this journey... our strength comes only from Him. Bless you all. Rest in trust.

Linda Fenner

August 25, 2022

This is such a loss for the Dublin City Schools community. I will always remember Doug as an outstanding professional and a caring friend. My sincere condolences to Doug's family, especially to Jack and Sam, who were at the center of many of the conversations Doug and I had.

Kim Hull

August 25, 2022

In all my 19 years of working with Dublin City Schools, Doug was a rock. We worked on levies, PTO Presidents, Key Communicators, fund raisers and the list keeps going. He handled people, situations and questions with the utmost tact and grace. I enjoyed his wry humor and ability to convey a thought with just a look...answering, not answering. My heart goes out to his boys and his family. We are so very sorry for your loss.

Linda Gretzinger

August 25, 2022

My deepest condolences and prayers go out to your family.

Eric Gerber

August 24, 2022

Deepest sympathy to the family! Doug was a great person !Eastsider of UpperSandusky played all kind of sports backyard n regular! He Was my quarterback and punter in high school!

Connie and Clifford Davis

August 24, 2022

Please accept our deepest condolences and prayers for your comfort.

Bob Fathman

August 24, 2022

My condolences to all of you who knew and loved Doug. I had many occasions to interact with him when we was PR Director for the Dublin Schools, and I was on the "Key Communicators Committee" for the Superintendent. He was always so good at his job, that when he left it I told him I would gladly serve as a reference if he needed it. Doug was smart, articulate and caring, My heart goes out to all of you.

Cathy Sankey

August 24, 2022

Sending prayers and sympathy to the entire Baker family. Doug and I worked closely together in my role as high school principal in DCS and I appreciated him as a colleague and as a person. He had a good sense of humor and was so proud of his family. I am so sorry for your loss. - Cathy

Single Memorial Tree

Mr. and Mrs. James A. Young

Planted Trees

Sharyn and Jim Young

August 23, 2022

OMG, we are so very sorry for your loss. May Doug rest in peace and may the Angels watch over all of you . Prayers

Angela Risner

August 23, 2022

My condolences to the Baker family and all who loved him.

Bill Bricely

August 23, 2022

Very sorry to hear this. Doug was a good dude and had a nonchalant way about him. Condolences to the family. Rest in peace sir.

Carol Jacobsen

August 23, 2022

My deepest sympathy to the Baker Family may you find comfort in this most trying time. I worked for Doug at DCS. One thing for sure was his love for his boys. He will be missed by many. Hoping beautiful memories will bring you comfort.

Kevin Simmons

August 23, 2022

Doug and I spent many years working together as we built up the Dublin City Schools Alumni Association. Doug did so many great things for DCS and the families and staff. Definitely a top-notch guy who will be missed by many!!!
Rest In Peace good sir!!

Tina Stansbery Kear

August 23, 2022

Sending many hugs and prayers to the whole family.. Il will be praying for all of the family in hopes that they may find peace.

Lynn Passet

August 23, 2022

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. This has to be heartbreaking in so many ways for all of you. I will be praying for healing and strength in the coming days.

Steve Dickman

August 22, 2022

Doug was a good man and did a lot to help others. My family being one of them. Condolences to you all.

Kathy Harter

August 22, 2022

I was so sorry to hear about the news. Doug was a very special person and a good friend to many. He always had the perfect answer for any situation. I loved how he guided us through naming new Dublin school buildings, yearly school calendars, and several successful levies. Also, he did a wonderful job helping to grow PERC over the years. Dublin was so lucky to have him. Thanks to his family for sharing him with all of us.

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Newcomer Funeral Home - Northwest Chapel - Powell

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Sign Douglas Baker's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 29, 2022

Michelle Vroom posted to the memorial.

September 3, 2022

Maria Ulrich posted to the memorial.

August 29, 2022

Robin Binkley posted to the memorial.