David Michael Baker. age 71, Floral City, FL completed his final race on January 4, 2023. He was beaten by a dirty, cheating racer; pancreatic cancer. Dave entered the race on August 7, 1951 in Akron, OH, the oldest of seven children to Earl and Esther Baker of Tallmadge, OH.
His pit crew consists of his wife of 48 years, Susan; daughter, Julie (Brian) Buchanan of Citrus Springs, FL; son, David Baker II of Coleman, FL; his grandchildren: Austin, Tony, and Jackson; and great-grandchildren: A.J., Coltin, and Justin. His related fans are his brothers: Herbert, Earl, and Kenny; his sisters: Margaret and Julie Anna; and his many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and his Aunt Ellen.
Dave’s previous winning races include being “Dad” to 42 foster kids over a span of 10 years; an ASE Certified Senior Master Mechanic, and several auto repair businesses both here in Florida and Ohio, car salesman and pit crew to his friend Roger Smith #43 of Brimfield, OH. He was an avid Ford and Mopar Muscle Car fan, owning and building some of his own, and a founding member of the Citrus County Mopar Club. He followed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team. He enjoyed playing softball and even had his own team, the Akrobats in Ohio. He loved to attend a variety of both professional and local circle and dirt track car races and the Gator Nationals drag races.
Family already on the other side of life’s finish line in Heaven waiting to celebrate with him a race well run with Jesus are: his parents, Earl and Esther Baker, sister, Elaine Severns, and grandson, Todd Buchanan.
Private cremation will take place at the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory, Inverness, FL. Susan would like to thank her sister Rosie for the help she provided during Dave’s hospitalization and home care and Chapters HPH Hospice of Citrus County so Dave Could be home with family and friends before he crossed the finish line of life. Please, in lieu of flowers, give all donations to Chapters HPH Hospice.
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