Daniel Sundar Baker passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 5 in a fatal car accident on U.S. Highway 40 due to severe weather. He was 38 years old.

Baker, who grew up and lived in Craig, leaves behind his wife, Jessica Knez Baker, and four children.

As the parts director for Cook Chevrolet in Craig, Baker was dedicated to his job and admired by coworkers and customers.

“His dedication to Cook Chevrolet and our customers, along with his kind spirit and infectious smile, touched everyone he met,” Cook Chevrolet said in a social media post.

Izzy Gomez, who worked with Daniel at Cook Chevrolet for the past 10 years, said Daniel always had a smile on his face. 

“I knew him for 22 years,” said Gomez. “I never saw him mad. Not once.”

Baker was a familiar face in the area, not only because of his kind demeanor and positive attitude but also because he took an active role in the community.

From working on the chain crew for Moffat County High School football games to serving at Bear River Young Life, Baker was dedicated to serving people.

“When he started on chain crew, he initially would fill in for someone who was out of town,” said Ryan Rowley, a friend and fellow member of the chain crew. “But it turned into him being involved at every game. Daniel rarely said no if he was available. He had a servant’s heart.”

Baker was known as a friendly face in the community and often took time out of his day to say hello and have a conversation with people he passed, Rowley added.

David Pressgrove, who also knew Baker through serving at Young Life, remembers Baker as someone who was intentional with people, often remembering details about someone’s life that others may forget.

“He was a circle maker, not a line drawer,” Pressgrove said. “He united people and brought people together. There were so many groups of people that he considered his family. He was so easy to love and care about, and vice-versa. He loved people so well.”

Even in stressful situations, Baker demonstrated lightheartedness and resilience. The people he worked with admired his cheery outlook, noting that he brightened a room when he walked in.

“He would relieve the anxiety in the room when we were overwhelmed with tasks and meetings,” added Pressgrove. “With his humor, he would always lighten the load.”

Baker graduated from Moffat County High School and attended Young Life in his teen years. Through school and Young Life, he met Pastor Leonard (Len) Browning, who he continued to know well throughout his life.

“His faith was real,” Browning said. “He truly practiced what he preached. He didn’t just talk about being Christ-like; he was selfless. He was here to serve, not be served.”

Baker’s passing is felt throughout the Yampa Valley. His legacy of kindness and joy will live on through the people who he loved and who loved him in return.

“His servant heart and willingness to help anyone who needed something will not be forgotten,” said Rowley. “He was amazing in that way. His passing is a loss to our community.”

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Moffat County High School auditorium.
To financially support the Baker family, visit GoFundMe.com/f/Community-Support-Of-Daniel-Bakers-Family.