WHEREAS, Donald Burns Baker, a public servant who worked diligently to enhance the quality of life in Clintwood for more than four decades, died on October 7, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Donald Baker made his career in the coal mining industry and worked in the family coal company for many years; he also provided leadership to several local banks and had served the nation as a member of the United States Army Reserve; and

WHEREAS, desirous to be of further service to the community, Donald Baker ran for and was elected to the Clintwood Town Council; he was subsequently elected as mayor and served in that capacity from 1988 until the time of his passing; and

WHEREAS, over the course of his long and distinguished career, Donald Baker helped bring jobs to the region, secured a reliable source of public water for Clintwood residents and surrounding communities, and built strong coalitions to obtain funding for community enhancement projects, including the Ralph Stanley Museum, the Jettie Baker Center, Kids Korner Park, and many others; and

WHEREAS, Donald Baker was committed to fiscal stability, and his expertise allowed Clintwood to maintain a steady real estate tax rate and reduce other tax rates while offering low fees for water, sewer, and garbage services; and

WHEREAS, at the state level, Donald Baker was appointed to the Virginia Coalfield Development Authority by five governors from both political parties, and he was the only member of the authority to serve multiple terms as chair; and

WHEREAS, Donald Baker was a champion for youth athletics who strove to ensure that Clintwood High School teams had the support they needed to achieve success; he volunteered with Little League baseball and softball for more than 60 years, including terms as a district administrator and state officer; and

WHEREAS, Donald Baker enjoyed fellowship and worship with the community as a member of Clintwood Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, predeceased by his wife, Martha, Donald Baker will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his sons, Greg and Mike, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Donald Burns Baker, the esteemed longtime mayor of Clintwood; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Donald Burns Baker as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for his memory.