David Dowling Baker

David Dowling Baker, 63 of Wiggins, passed away Friday evening, June 20th at Memorial Hospital of Stone County. David was born on June 01, 1962, in the claw-foot bathtub of the Baker family home there in Big Level. He was the youngest of four children to the late Carl Thomas Baker and Janell (Sellers) Baker Martin. David grew up in Big Level for the most part and was a typical South MS country boy. He enjoyed the outdoors and most everything that went with it, like hunting, fishing, racing and such. David attended Stone County Schools, starting there at Big Level and finishing his academic pursuits at Stone High School. Many times he would walk to school, and wind up at the pickle factory in the afternoons, since that's where his mother worked. In 1979, he was introduced to Tammy by his life-long friend Tommy. A couple of years later they were married and made their home in Big Level and have spent their lives there raising their children. David was a carpenter by trade and spent some 15 years at Ingall's before deciding to start his own business. Baker Construction did most anything, from complete builds to roofs, porches, sheds, or whatever anyone needed him to do. David also worked for GE with his son Tony as a turbine mechanic for the past several years as well. He was never one to sit idly by, rather stayed busy working and providing for his family. When he wasn't working, he enjoyed life as he wanted, which was either hunting or fishing, going to or watching the races, spending time on the river, or cooking out with family and friends. David became quite the grill chef in his time and could grill anything you (or he) wanted. From steaks to shishkabobs, and everything in between, David could do it, even teaching his children a few tricks of the trade along the way. To relax, David had an old chair in his shed, fixed comfortably in front of his tv, and there you could find him winding down after a day's work. David is remembered as a loving family man who always made sure his family was provided for, along with anyone else who might be around. You might not have had all the wants you had, but your needs were definitely met. He was a selfless husband, father, and Pawpaw that adored his kids and grands. At dinnertime, David always ate last just to make sure that everyone had plenty. That's the kind of guy he was, a loving family man that will be forever missed by all whose life he touched. David was preceded by his parents, Janell Martin and Carl Baker. Left to cherish his memories are: his loving wife of over 45 years, Tammy; their children: Daniel Baker of Big Level, Tammy (Tony) Howell of Lucedale, Jenny (Jason) Thompson of Bond, Tony Baker of Big Level, and Tina Underwood of Brooklyn; his siblings: Stanley (June) Baker, also of Big Level, Brantley (Sandra) Baker of Petal; and Susan Baker of Wiggins. David leaves a legacy of eleven grandchildren: Brailyn, Aiden, Noah, Gabriel, Haliey, Landon, Caden, Seirra, Trista, Roselynn, and Jana, along with numerous extended family and friends. David's final wishes were to be cremated, which his family is honoring, and they will hold a large celebration of his life, around a grill most likely, at a later date. But for now, the family has set a Memorial Service for Thursday, June 26, 2025 at Trinity Funeral Services in McHenry. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 AM, followed by a chapel service at 11. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Baker family in their time of need and asks that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers through the days ahead.