Donald Baize Dec. 11, 1939 - May 14, 2024

Donald Baize

Dec. 11, 1939 - May 14, 2024

Donald Baize, age 84, of Crawford, passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2024, surrounded by his adoring family. Funeral services will be Saturday, May 18, at 11 a.m., in Grace Gardens Funeral Home in Waco. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service.

Donald Edward Baize was born Dec. 11, 1939, to the late Clebe and Katie “Leck” Baize and was raised in the Coryell City community. He graduated from Gatesville High School in 1957 and served in the U.S. National Guard from 1958 to 1967, beginning his basic training in Fort Polk, Louisiana.

Donald was united in marriage to Garlene McGregor Baize June 27,1959, in Moody. They settled in the Crawford community to raise their boys, Barry and Jeff Baize, and to begin a long and successful career in the farming, ranching and seed business.

Donald was a member of St. Paul Lutheran church in Crawford from 1986 until his death. He was a notable contributor to his community in various civic roles, serving on the Crawford School Board from 1970 to 1981, and the Crawford Volunteer Ambulance service. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Crawford Community Center, serving on the board of the local COOP Farm and Ranch Supply, as well as serving the McLennan County Farm Service Agency.

Donald will be best remembered for his kind and generous heart, his willingness to strike up a warm conversation at any time, his genuine concern for all, and for being the absolute GOAT of making peanut brittle.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents and loving wife.

He is survived by his sons, Barry Baize and Jeff Baize (Molly); siblings, Burney Baize, Patty Clemmons, and John Baize (Joan); sisters-in-law, Gerda McGregor and Marsha Stanford (Bill); grandchildren, Chase Baize (Michelle), Gerik Baize (Santana), Paige Baize Soukup (Brandon) and Perri Baize; great-grandchildren, Jordan Baize, McKenzie Baize, Finley Baize and Cameron Marshall; a host of nieces and nephews, and a long-time friend and companion, Johnnie Farmer.

Pallbearers will be Chase Baize, Gerik Baize, Terry Baize, Don Hothan, Brad Cox and Martin Landeros.

Honorary pallbearers include Rodney Talbert, Mike Plemmons, Keith Nelson, Dale Westerfeld, Lyndon Lynch and Marvin Luedeker.

The family extends its deepest appreciation to the staff at Ridgecrest Retirement Center, Heartis Senior Care, and St. Anthony’s Care Center for their love and devotion throughout the years.

Memorials may be made to the Crawford Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 224, Crawford, TX 76638.