Douglas “Doug” Joseph Baker, 102, of Maywood passed away peacefully at his home on June 23, 2026.

Doug was born on January 6, 1924, in Valentine, Nebraska, to Alvin O. Baker and Mary Baker (Sears). In his early years, he worked as a ranch hand on his grandfather’s ranch near Valentine—once the largest ranch in the state, spanning 26,000 acres. Those years shaped his lifelong love of hard work, horses, and the land.

He attended Curtis High School, graduating in 1941 with a focus on agriculture. On May 3, 1944, he married the love of his life, Della Baker (Foster), in Ainsworth, NE and to this union 4 children were born, Douglas Lynn, Beverly Diane, Timothy Grant and Bruce Allen. Together, they built a life centered on family, community, and growth.

Shortly after his marriage, Doug entered active service on August 28, 1944, as a Private and assigned to the 383rd Infantry regiment of the 96th infantry division, “The Deadeyes” during World War II. He served courageously on the front lines in the Battle of Leyte and in Okinawa, Japan. He remained in combat until the end of the war in Japan. He was one of only eleven men from his original unit to return home. His honors include the Combat Infantry badge with Oakleaf Cluster, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Independence Ribbon, and the Sharpshooter Badge (M1).

Due to the mishandling of documentation, the unit was later awarded a Presidential unit citation (Army) for their intense combat in the battle of Okinawa. His unit was one of four units to receive this prestigious honor. He was also awarded the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for their vital role in the liberation of the Philippines and the Battle of Leyte.

Doug received a military quilt of Valor in January of 2024 and was given the honor of being named Admiral in the Nebraska Navy. In 2025 Doug was presented with a specially minted medal from Governor Jim Pillen, celebrating 80 years of victory of WWII.

Following his military service, Doug returned to Nebraska where he and Della lived in Valentine, NE until 1948 at which time they moved to the Goose Creek Area Ranch until 1964. They lived in North Platte until 1974, and the last 52 years (44 of those with Della, until her passing), called Maywood home where he established Baker Hardware & Repair with his son Tim, which he owned and operated well into his 80s. A true working man, he built a reputation for honesty, skill, and determination. Whether repairing vehicles, airplanes, semis, fixing lawnmowers, or lending a hand to a neighbor, Doug was known as someone who could fix just about anything with the right tools and time.

Doug was deeply involved in the Maywood community. He served as Commander of the Maywood VFW for many years and was instrumental in establishing the local VFW post. His commitment to fellow veterans and his town remained strong throughout his life.

Doug was an inventor, philanthropist, entrepreneur and loved a good deal. He built and restored 3 airplanes and was an avid pilot. He loved being in an airplane. He enjoyed fishing for salmon on family trips to Lake Michigan, making homemade wine to share with loved ones and friends. He loved working in his garden and canning the fruits of his labor. He loved making homemade tomato juice and dancing every week—still “cutting a rug” as recently as May at 102 years old. He enjoyed teaching others.

Doug was a man of strong character—stern yet deeply principled, often affectionately referred to as “Grumpa.” He believed firmly that a man’s word and handshake were as good as gold. Often saying, “If you can’t trust their word, they’re not worth a hill of beans.” He lived by that belief, offering help to anyone in need and earning the respect of all who knew him.

He is survived by his son, Timothy (Patricia) Baker of Curtis, Nebraska; his grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Della Baker; his parents, Alvin O. Baker and Mary Baker (Sears); his son, Douglas Lyn Baker; his daughter, Beverly Diane McCarty; his son, Bruce Allen Baker; and his siblings.

Doug will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend—a hardworking man of integrity whose legacy lives on in the many lives he touched. Doug personified what it was to be a man of “the greatest generation.”

Funeral services will be held on July 18 at 10:30 a.m. at Adam & Swanson Funeral Home. Doug’s cremains will be laid to rest in Maywood alongside his beloved wife, Della and their two sons. The family invites you to join them for lunch at Maywood Community Hall, following graveside military service.

Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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