David Lee Baker

David Baker, 83, passed peacefully on October 7, 2025, at his home in Delray Beach, FL, with his loving wife, Virginia Nichols, by his side.

Born in 1942 in Steubenville, OH, he was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene E. Baker and Virginia T. Colegrove Baker of Weirton, WV.

David will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Virginia; children, Jane (Scott) Auty and Kimberly Baker Carroll (Tom); grandchildren, Ethan, Vanessa and Jacob. Also survived by the mother of his children, Jane Begley; his brother Charles Baker (Darlene); nephew Todd; stepdaughters Jennifer and Stephanie and stepson, John.

David was a graduate of Weirton West Virginia High School. After high school and college David joined the National Guard while working in restaurant management. His reputation for diligence and for improving poorly performing stores appealed to Burger King licensees, which led to opportunities to open stores in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. During his service in the National Guard, he met his first wife, Jane, and the couple settled in Freehold, NJ, where they raised their two children. He went on to expand his Burger King franchise business from New York to Wyoming and made his home in Jackson, WY embracing the outdoors through skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, and exploring the Tetons with his children. Summers were also treasured on long trips to West Virginia, Ohio, and Oyster Bay, New York, where he and his family shared memorable days with David's family and close friends.

Later in the 1980s, he moved to South Florida where he met his wife, Ginny, and worked with Boca Transportation as Safety Director until his retirement. David and Ginny cherished the summers spent with their children and grandchildren and found great joy relaxing at their favorite spot in the Finger Lakes with their RV. David had a remarkable gift for friendship; those who came to him as customers became cherished, lifelong family. He had a deep passion for cars, especially Ford Mustangs, and traveled across the country with his closest friends to Mecum Auctions, Barrett-Jackson events, and ice fishing trips. David was an exceptional storyteller with a love for a good joke, always bringing laughter to those around him. An avid NASCAR fan, he even founded a startup racing team in the 1970s, combining his love of speed with his entrepreneurial spirit. He lived his life with deep love for his family, a joyful spirit, and the steadfast work ethic of a true businessman. He will be forever loved and profoundly missed.

In lieu of flowers the Baker Family asks you consider a tribute donation be made in honor of David to Wounded Warrior Project. Donations can be made by following this link: woundedwarriorproject.org

A Celebration of Life will be held after the New Year on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The family will receive visitors at 10:00 am, service at 11:00 am, followed by a luncheon at the Gary Panoch Funeral Home, 6140 N. Federal Highway, Delray Beach, FL 33483.

Professional arrangements are entrusted to:
Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-997-8580
www.gpanochfunerals.com

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