David Eugene Baker

David Eugene Baker, age 61, passed away Tuesday, April 1, 2025. He was born November 13, 1963.

David was born in Charlotte, North Carolina and relocated with his family to Woodridge, Illinois when he was 9 years old. David attended Goodrich Elementary School and Downers Grove North High School. He was an excellent athlete and was recruited by Western Illinois University on a wrestling scholarship. He finished his education at the College of DuPage where he earned his degree in ornamental horticulture. He worked at Wannamakers Home and Garden Center for many years, Greenview Landscaping where his designs were featured in the cavalcade of homes and finally at Bartlett Tree Experts where he often said that when you love your job you never work a day in your life.

David was naturally funny, with a larger-than-life personality, a fierce love for his family, friends, and Johnny Cash. He was passionate for his career in horticulture and was known to quiz his family on bike rides and while watching TV and would play “name that plant” on a daily basis, whether we wanted to or not. David could name and discuss any plant and would do so without prompting. He couldn’t walk through a garden center without employees and strangers coming up to him asking him questions and his opinions on plants and where to put them in their yards. He was once offered a job on the spot at a nursery to which he declined. He was an incredible chef, gardener, fisherman, and giver of advice. David held strong in his faith and found solace in our Lord.

We will never walk through a Home Depot Garden Center, listen to Johnny Cash, or drink an ice-cold Coca-Cola without thinking of him. He will be missed by everyone beyond measure.

Preceded in death by his parents Harold Eugene Baker and Dorothy Ann Baker (nee Tribbett), in-laws Harold and Nancy Volrath.

David is survived by his wife Andrea Baker (nee Volrath), children Becca Ekle (Jared), Dylan Baker, sister Debbi Straube (Rick), nephew Ricky Straube, brother and sister-in-law Greg and Michelle Volrath, niece Melanie Volrath and nephew Kurt Volrath, along with many friends and family who loved him dearly.

A catered celebration of David’s life with a memorial visitation will be held on April 13, 2025, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the American Legion, 4000 Saratoga Avenue , Downers Grove, IL 60515. In lieu of flowers David’s request were live plants and trees.