David Baker

(From Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home)

David Dwayne Baker, age 73, of Aurora, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 31, 1952, in Aurora, Missouri, the son of William Loyd and Helen Elizabeth (Wishon) Baker.

David graduated from Aurora High School in 1970. On February 28, 1970, he married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Sue Jameson, who preceded him in death on August 16, 2014. They shared 44 years of devoted and loving marriage. In later years, David was blessed to find love again with Tonya Smith. The couple were united in marriage on August 6, 2025. Though their time together was brief, their deep affection and companionship were evident to all who knew them.

David was employed as a meat cutter and later worked for EFCO before he and Sharon established their own business, Baker Made Crafts. Through this venture, he was able to pursue his passion for woodworking and travel. Prior to his retirement, he worked at Casey's, where he became a familiar and beloved presence in the community, always ready with friendly conversation and good humor. Those who knew David will remember his quick wit and sense of humor. He enjoyed gardening, watching television, especially sports and westerns, and cheering for his favorite teams, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Missouri Tigers. He especially cherished time spent attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and fishing with family, sharing his knowledge of catching bass and crappies. He also enjoyed occasional visits to the casino.

David is survived by his wife, Tonya Baker; his children, Tamrae (Jeff) Crossland, Jeffrey Baker, and Jason (Penny) Baker; his grandchildren, Kyle (Amanda) Baker, Kody Baker, Weston (Valerie) Baker, Sheyanne Crossland, Zachary Baker, Taylor (Joshua) Darendinger, Kayden Baker, Jeffrey (Amber) Crossland, Megan Crossland, Kayla (Zac) Conner, and Amber Crossland; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; his siblings, Leon (Martha) Baker, Richard (Pat) Baker, and Bill (Carol) Baker, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will deeply miss him.

David was preceded in death by his first wife, Sharon Baker; his parents, William and Helen Baker and his sister, Ruby Gadberry.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Crafton-Cantrell Funeral Home in Aurora. Burial will follow at Maple Park Cemetery in Aurora. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, in the funeral home chapel.

Pallbearers will be Kyle Baker, Kody Baker, Weston Baker, Zachary Baker, Kayden Baker, and David Baker. Honorary pallbearers are Jared Evans and Ron Smith.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of the funeral home.