DANNY RUPHARD BAKER

Psalm 25:4-10

Show me Thy ways, O LORD; teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth and teach me, for Thou art the God of my salvation; on Thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O Lord, Thy tender mercies and Thy loving kindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; according to Thy mercy remember Thou me, for Thy goodness sake, O LORD. Good and upright is the LORD; therefor will He teach sinners in the way. The meek will He guide in judgement, and the meek will He teach His way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, unto them that keep His covenant and His testimonies.

With heavy hearts we mourn the death and celebrate the life of Danny Ruphard Baker, 76, who passed away peacefully from his earthly home on Sunday, October 15, 2023.

Danny was born on Birchfield Road in Pound, Virginia, to the late Pastor Lester and Genola Baker. He is survived by his wife and love of his life, Anne; children, Chesney (Wes), Andy (Roberta) and Engle (Jim); granddaughter, Sierra (Trey) Hall and her brothers, Diego Jamerson and Michael (Rebecca) Gilliam; sister, McKinley (Robert) Smith; great-granddaughter, Eden Hall; beloved sister, Betty Baker Jessee; nephew, Mike (Sandy) Jessee; niece, Candy (David) Dietz and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Danny married his high school sweetheart, Anne, in 1965, and they were married for 58 years. In October 2022, they welcomed their first great grandchild, Eden Hall. One of Danny’s greatest joys was time spent with his granddaughter, Sierra and great granddaughter, Eden. “Papaw Luvs” was his favorite expression, followed by “Papaw is your best friend.”

Danny was called to preach in the 1970s and served as the pastor of Birchfield Church, built by his great grandfather, Samuel Jackson Baker and previously led by his father, Pastor Lester Baker. Danny knew how to touch hearts and was known for his conviction, honesty, and fortitude. He placed the highest value on the loyalty of lifelong friends, Rocky (Anita) Cantrell, and the late Ray Holmes. Danny was devoted to Birchfield Church, where he faithfully served with humility and gratitude. His beloved brothers and sisters at the church include, Lynn and Jeff Burns, Carol Massey, Rocky and Anita Cantrell, Carlyle Taylor, Kenneth Collins, Van Buren Boggs, Jeff Adams, Carol and Harold Greer, Gail Cantrell and Roger Skeen. Danny also loved to spend time and discuss scripture with his nephew, David Dietz.

Funeral services for Danny Baker were held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday October 17, 2023 at Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel in Wise, VA; Pastor Josh Tompkins officiated. The family received friends and loved ones from 5:30 p.m. till services at 7:00 p.m. Danny was laid to rest at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at Baker Cemetery above Birchfield Church beside his mother and father, Lester and Genola Baker; David Deitz officiated. Family and friends met at 12:45 p.m. at the cemetery.

Please visit www.sturgillfuneral.com to leave online condolences for the family.

Sturgill Funeral Home 1621 Norton Road SW Wise, VA 24293 is in charge of arrangements.