Duane Loyal Baker, age 59, of Wayne, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at Wood Haven Health Care in Bowling Green.
He was born on June 11, 1967, in Bowling Green, Ohio, to Edward and Linda (Maidment) Baker. On September 10, 2004, he married the love of his life, Jenny L. Domanski, and together they shared 21 wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Duane is survived by his devoted wife, Jenny; his father, Edward Baker, and stepmother, Elaine (Dierksheide) Baker; the daughters he loved as his own, Heather Villagomez and Michelle (Nickolas) Cole; the grandchildren he proudly loved as his own, Jocelyn, Natalie, Lydia, and Everly; his brothers, William (Susan) Baker, Raymond (Roxi) Baker, Timothy Baker, and Devin (Bobbie) Baker; his step-siblings, Amy (Alan) Oberhaus, Duane Dierksheide, and Traci (Pete) Ortiz; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Linda Baker.
Duane dedicated 40 years of hard work and commitment to Green Manufacturing/Rosenboom, where he built lasting friendships and earned the respect of those who worked alongside him. In addition to his career, he was a lifelong farmer, proudly helping on the family farm, where he found great satisfaction in the hard work and traditions of farm life.
Away from work, Duane embraced life and the simple joys that brought him happiness. He loved traveling with his family, camping, and spending time outdoors. He had a lifelong appreciation for antique tractors and rarely missed attending the National Tractor Pulling Championships in Bowling Green. A proud John Deere enthusiast, Duane also enjoyed following NASCAR driver Terry Labonte and cheering on his beloved Detroit Lions through every season.
More than anything, Duane treasured the people he loved. Whether spending time with family around the campground, sharing stories, or creating memories with those closest to him, he found his greatest joy in simply being together. He welcomed Heather and Michelle into his heart as his own daughters and lovingly embraced Jocelyn, Natalie, Lydia, and Everly as his grandchildren. His kindness, quiet strength, unwavering work ethic, and generous heart will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Duane’s legacy lives on in the love he shared, the example he set through hard work and dedication, and the countless memories that will forever be treasured by his family and friends.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff at UTMC and Wood Haven Health Care for the exceptional care, compassion, and kindness shown to Duane throughout his journey. Your dedication, support, and genuine concern brought comfort not only to Duane, but also to his family during a difficult time. Your care will always be remembered with sincere appreciation.
Friends will be received from 11 AM – 3 PM on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Barndt Funeral Home in Wayne, Ohio, where a Celebration of Life Service will begin on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 3 PM with Pastor Ron Merritt officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date. Immediately following, a bereavement luncheon will be held at the Wayne Volunteer Fire Department. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Friends of Wood County Dog Shelter or to the Wayne Volunteer Fire Department. Online condolences can be sent to Duane’s family at www.barndtfuneralhome.org.
