[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 179 (Tuesday, October 12, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING DONALD BAKER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 12, 2021

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Clintwood, Virginia's 
mayor, Donald Baker, who died on October 7, 2021, at the age of 83. Mr. 
Baker was a dedicated and longtime public servant.
  Mr. Baker served the town of Clintwood for over three decades. He was 
first elected to the town's council in 1980 and served as the mayor 
since 1988. He was spoken very highly of by his colleagues for his 
enduring generosity to the community. He was a great representative for 
the citizens of Clintwood. He was attentive to the community's concerns 
and addressed them with compassion and integrity.
  During his time in service, he worked diligently to build coalitions 
to obtain grants and funding for community improvement projects. He was 
well known for governing by conservative financial values. During his 
41 years of service, he kept the provision of affordable goods and 
services as a top priority for him. He was esteemed by colleagues on 
both sides of the aisle. Mr. Baker was known as a friend to many and 
held a strong voice in the region.
  Outside of his work in the public service, he worked and operated in 
the coal industry for many years. He also served as a Bank Director at 
several banks in the region up until his retirement. And he was a 
member of the Army Reserve Forces serving at rank of Sergeant.
  Even in his free time, Mr. Baker still dedicated his time to helping 
others. For over 60 years he volunteered at every level of Little 
League baseball and softball. He tirelessly worked with school leaders 
and coaches to support Clintwood athletics and their children.
  Mayor Baker was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Ann Anderson; 
his parents, James Garfield Baker and Nell Arrington Baker; and his 
brothers, Harold Baker, Carl Baker, and Marvin Baker.
  He is survived by his two sons, Greg Baker and his wife Lora, and 
Mike Baker; his granddaughter, Emily Ann Baker Dressner; grandson 
Thomas Gregory Baker; and one great-grandson, John Mark Dressner. I 
offer my condolences on the loss of this good man and great leader.

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