David Coombs Baker

November 14, 1929 – July 10, 2025

David Coombs Baker passed away peacefully at home on July 10, 2025, in Smithfield, Utah, surrounded by his beloved wife of 73 years, Marilyn Eames Baker, and their son Martin. He was 95.

Born on November 14, 1929, in North Logan, Utah, David was the youngest of nine children in a close-knit farming family. His father, a lifelong farmer and the local water master, passed away while driving a tractor—with teenage David working alongside him in the fields. His mother died shortly thereafter, while one of David’s older brothers was serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These early losses forged David’s resilience and deepened his sense of responsibility.

During the Korean conflict, David served in the U.S. Navy, training as an aircraft gunner. After marrying, he was reassigned to food services. He often recalled being air-lifted by helicopter onto an aircraft carrier, where one of his first duties was chasing and securing dislodged missiles on the flight deck during nighttime landings. He performed these dangerous tasks with calm resolve and characteristic humor.

David met Marilyn at a dance while home on leave. After six weeks of writing letters back and forth, they married—a union that would span more than seven decades of devotion, adventure, and faith.

Professionally, David taught life sciences at Weber High, Bonneville High, Minico High, Wendover High, and schools across Utah, Idaho, and California. But teaching was just one of his many trades. A born entrepreneur, he started and ran several small businesses: selling cookware, hauling mobile homes, managing restaurants, selling insurance, renting carpet cleaners, and operating a greenhouse, running an autobody repair shop. He also worked in construction and helped family members build or repair their homes—always ready with tools, skill, and encouragement.

He was a man whose hands were never idle and whose heart was always full. His life’s work was providing for and supporting his wife, children, and grandchildren—offering help with plumbing, electrical, drywall, auto repair, or just good advice, often with a smile and a joke.

A lifelong and deeply committed member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, David served as a Gospel Doctrine teacher in many wards and as bishop in Wendover, Utah. His testimony never wavered, and he quietly influenced many through his example of steady service and sincere faith.

David was known for his quick wit, gentle presence, and love for the Cache Valley countryside—especially the quiet backroads west of Smithfield where he spent much of his youth. He often reminisced about Native American families who passed through the family farm in springtime, resting under the apple trees—a symbol of the enduring peace he found in memory, nature, and family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn (age 90), and their five sons:

  • David Scott Baker (Janet)
  • Martin R. Baker
  • Kevin Eames Baker (Claudia)
  • Bryan F. Baker
  • Wayne Edwin Baker (Christine)

A beloved daughter, Chadley Ann proceeded him.

His grandchildren and great-grandchildren include:
Caleb (wife Sheraton, children Kylee, Dillon, Brighton), Terrell (child Tatum), Katie, Cara Marie (partner Dick; children Kaia, Carter, Brenna), Craig, Daniel (wife Alicia; children Daniel Craig, Kaylee), David (husband Chris), Allye, Christopher (wife Emily; children Caitlin, Sarah, Amelia), and Matthew (wife Crystal).

David leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, faith, and tireless work. His life was one of humble leadership and unwavering devotion to God, family, and community.

To read more or share a memory, please visit:
👉 ourlegacywall.com/david-baker

Eliza and Fred Baker, LaVon and David Baker
Grandma Baker, Grandpa Baker and Allye
He always had a garden each year.
It didn’t take much coaching to have him and mom dress up for Halloween at the Senior Center.
David carved this into the slat under his mother’s sewing machine when he was a boy. It was found years later after his sister, LaVon’s passing by one of her daughtgers.

Oral History

David at 5

How David and Marilyn Met

David As a Gunner In Korea

Video

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  1. I always remember his funny sense of humor. He was never loud. But, you never missed the funny things he said. I can’t wait until we are all together again. No one gone ahead and no one left befind.

    Lori Russell

  2. I never had a close relationship with my own grandparents, and most of them passed when I was really young. I met grandma and grandpa when Dan and I started dating during high school in early 2005. I was 17 and extremely nervous to meet his family for the first time. I will never forget meeting grandpa. He greeted me with a big smile and without hesitation, pulled me into the warmest, most comforting grandpa hug you could possibly imagine. In that moment, they were my grandparents, no question. I will miss him with all my heart and will be forever grateful that he gave me the opportunity to have the best grandpa I had always wanted.

    Alicia Baker

  3. I loved David, he was so fun to talk with.
    Dave had a great sense of humor and he was so intelligent, so much to tell you.
    Dave and Marilyn were such a sweet couple, you could see the love and respect they had for each other, I saw that the first time I met them.
    Dave loved his family, he loved his grandchildren and was so proud of all of them.
    I send my love to the entire family.
    Thanks to Martin for being there with your mom and dad to help them over the past few years.
    I have been blessed to have known David, and I am blessed to know Marilyn, who is an angel here on earth.
    God bless all of you at this time.

    Marsha Eames (sister-in-law)

  4. I miss you grandpa.

    Chris Baker

  5. Grandpa shaped so much of who I am today. Grandma and Grandpa were one of the main examples I tried to emulate when it came to loving and taking care of my family. He never failed to be there for special events and even not so special events. He introduced me to, what is still one of my favorite treats to this day, Snickers. I remember him enjoying his as I ate my own Snickers and him smacking his lips together in satisfaction, which somehow just made my Snickers taste all that much better!

    Love you Grandpa

    Daniel Baker

  6. He was the best father anyone could have ever hoped for. I always knew he loved me. And even more importantly, I knew he loved and adored my mother.

    Wayne Baker

  7. He was such a great example to us all. May God give you peace and comfort in your time of grief.

    Vonna Couchis

  8. Being one of the grandchildren living the closest to them, I was never really close to them like I would have. But I knew he loved me.
    One particular memory I do have with him and grandma was when they lived in Wendover. I got to go stay with them, along with Cara, as it was her week to spend with them. It was probably the funnest time I ever had with them. It was so fun going to the casino and walking through it to go to the buffet. They loved going to the buffets. I was introduced to sno-balls that summer. To this day I still love getting them every now and then.
    The Christmas parties when we were all smaller than a grasshopper was probably my funnest thing that I always looked forward to, being a kid. Seeing cousins, aunts, uncles, ect. ect. getting together and sharing the tradition of fun, games, surrounding grandma Eames.
    Grandpa, you will be missed immensely, and you are loved beyond measure. I truly hope it was a grand reunion with Chadly Ann. Until we meet again, as I believe we will. Love you –

    Katie Baker