Donald Justin 'DJ' Baker

Donald Justin "DJ" Baker, 20, was born to Carole Starzinger and Howard Baker in Decatur, Illinois, at St. Mary's Hospital on May 6, 1996. He went to meet the Lord in St. Louis at Barnes-Jewish Hospital on Wednesday, June 1, 2016. DJ died of brain death caused by irreparable and irreversible trauma to the brain, which arose after a severe hemorrhage. The details and causes of his death are still under review by his medical teams.

Donald is survived by his parents Howard (Randy) Baker Jr. and Carole A. Starzinger; his brother, H. Jordan Baker (and sister-in-law Jessica Weatherly-Baker); his sisters, Hayley E. Baker, Kate A. Baker and Courtney C. Baker; the love of his life, Danielle Sychowski; brother-in-life, Wyatt T. Williams; grandparents Barbara Baker and Don and Judy Starzinger; and a host of loving friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Howard E. Baker.

DJ attended the Lutheran School Association in Decatur from kindergarten through ninth grade. He completed his high-school education at St. Teresa High School in Decatur. DJ was a sophomore at Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, Illinois, at the time of his passing.

DJ was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Decatur. He was a member of the St. Teresa and Lake Forest football teams, whose members he regarded as brothers. Among other organizations and teams, DJ was a member of the Thespian Society in his high-school career; he acted in, directed and wrote productions while at St Teresa. DJ had a heart for children and participated in many service projects through his schools and church in Decatur and his team at Lake Forest.

As a young man, DJ became skilled at singing, creative writing, football, video games and heated debates on trivial issues. His wit, charisma, vitality and most of all his loving heart left a unique impression on all who knew him.

Donald Justin made the choice to be an organ donor, and will be leaving a legacy of humility by saving the lives of six strangers. It is not surprising to those who had the pleasure of feeling the love and compassion of DJ in life that he would offer that love and compassion in death.

The loss of this man -- of honor and faith, of strength and humility, of humor and of intellect, of love and of livelihood -- this loss has been felt deeply by his community of family and friends, now bonded together. For his family, DJ was a light, a rock, a funny joke and a strong hand. He was a bear hug and a knowing smile. He was loved and gave love in return. To his friends and brothers on and off the gridiron, DJ offered strength and support, dedication and honor and, of course, a joke whenever needed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The DJ Baker Memorial Fund at Busey Bank. DJ held the care and education of his little sister Courtney as a high priority, and his career goals were focused on providing for this. All donations made to the fund in his name will be used toward the education and care of his favorite little sister in his honor.

An open visitation will be at 2 p.m. June 12 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at 1 Bachrach Court, Decatur, IL 62526.

The funeral service will be at 5 p.m. June 12 at the church.

The service will be followed by a Celebration of Life hosted by DJ's friends and family. Please join the friends and family of DJ to share prayers, support and memories in celebration of DJ's life, and in thankfulness for the blessing that he was to us. This event will take place at 6 p.m. June 12 at The Knights of Columbus Hall at 520 E. North St., Decatur, IL 62523.

Tanzyus-Logan Funeral Service and Care is in charge of the arrangements.

Please sign the guestbook at www.TLCelebratingeverylife.com.

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My Presence, so that you also may be where I am" (John 14:3).