Danny Carl Baker Sr.

Danny Carl Baker, age 77, of Crestview Hills, Kentucky, passed away on June 29, 2025. Born on June 13, 1948, in Manchester, Kentucky, Danny was the son of the late Foister and Allie Baker. Danny dedicated his life to education and athletics, serving as a beloved history teacher and head coach at Highlands High School for over 30 years. From 1994 to 2011, Coach Baker led both the boys' track & field and girls' cross-country teams. Under his leadership, the girls' cross-country teams soared to three state championships and captured numerous top finishes, and the boys' track teams finished no lower than third in the AA State Meet for 11 straight years-from 1998 to 2008. A recipient of multiple "Coach of the Year" awards, Danny's peers recognized his dedication and achievements throughout his tenure. In 2016, his enduring contributions earned him induction into the Kentucky High School Track & Cross-Country Coaches Hall of Fame, with a special ceremony held during the Highlands Red Dog Track Meet at Tower Park. A true history buff and a passionate educator, Danny provided a commitment to teaching, storytelling, and inspiring to the young minds of Highland High School. Known as a studious and engaging teacher, he had a gift for bringing history to life and was well known and respected by his students and throughout the community. Danny's love of learning and storytelling began early in life. He grew up in humble beginnings, living a self-sufficient lifestyle with his family. These roots shaped his grounded nature, strong work ethic, and deep appreciation for life's simple joys. In his 20s, Danny lived in Florida-a place that forever held a piece of his heart. Later in life, he made frequent vacations to Siesta Key, cherishing the white sandy beaches, warm breezes, and peaceful ocean air. A lover of 1960s music, Danny especially enjoyed the Beach Boys, often playing their tunes. He was also a proud University of Louisville Basketball fan- always ready to cheer on the Cardinals, whether in person or from his living room. Above all, Danny loved his family. He is survived by his son, Danny (Hina) Baker; and his dear siblings, Kathy (Mark) Groneman, Sandy (Art) Davis, and Linda (Dave) Huntsberger. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Linnemann Funeral Home in Erlanger, Kentucky. A service to honor Danny's life will follow at 1:00 p.m., with burial to take place at Big Bone Baptist Cemetery in Union, Kentucky. Danny's legacy will live on in the lives of the many students, athletes, colleagues, friends, and family who were lucky enough to know him-and in the championship banners, classroom stories, and fond memories that stand testament to his leadership, wisdom, generosity, and deep love for life.