Bradly Allan Baker March 29, 1967 - September 7, 2025 Bradly Allan Baker, 58, of Troy, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 7, 2025, just as the sun rose over the trees in Dayton; a fitting farewell for a man who brightened every room he entered. Brad was the heart of every gathering, the coach who saw potential in every player, the friend who turned ordinary moments into adventures, and above all, the father who transformed single parenthood into a masterclass in love and dedication. Born in Bucyrus to James Allan and Linda Lou (Williams) Baker, Brad carried forward the warmth and strength his parents instilled in him. His childhood at Melvin E. Sine Elementary School forged friendships that lasted over five decades. Those early days were filled with the kind of adventures that define a life well-lived: shooting hoops on seven-foot rims that made every kid feel like a giant, launching from garage rooftops into swimming pools, Sunday morning bowling traditions instead of church, and turning every street into a football field until the streetlights called everyone home. Brad served his country with distinction as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard, while also protecting his community as an EMT and volunteer firefighter—bringing the same dedication to saving lives that he brought to everything in life. After leaving the Guard in October 2007, he continued touching lives in new ways as mentor, coach, and friend to countless young people. His love for basketball was infectious. Whether playing at Apollo High or coaching at St. Mary's and Mountain Ridge High Schools, Brad saw the court as more than a place for games it was where life lessons were taught, confidence was built, and potential was unlocked. He celebrated every player's success as if it were his own, and his enthusiasm from the sidelines was matched only by his passion for his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes. Brad had a gift for making the ordinary extraordinary. He was the friend who remembered your birthday, the neighbor who helped without being asked, the guy whose smile was so constant that its absence would have been breaking news. He found joy in simple pleasures and had an uncanny ability to help others find it too. His laugh was contagious, his hugs were legendary, and his talent for turning bad days into good stories was unmatched. Brad is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kelsey and Mark Conway of Troy; his sister, Tammy Beal of Bucyrus; his nephews, Joshua Beal and Aaron Beal; and a constellation of friends who became family over the years. He was preceded in death by his parents. In his honor, don't mourn; celebrate. Tell a joke that makes someone snort. Shoot hoops until your arms ache. Call an old friend just to say hello. Teach a kid something new. Give the kind of hug that makes someone feel safe. Dance to your favorite song like nobody's watching. And when life gets heavy, remember Brad's approach: find the fun, spread the joy, and never underestimate the power of a genuine smile. Knowing Brad, he has surely already organized a pickup basketball game in heaven, charmed the angels with his stories, and found the best fishing spot in paradise. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM on September 21, 2025, at Baird Funeral Home in Troy, Ohio, with a celebration of Brad's life to follow at 3:00 PM. All of those who can make it in person are welcome to attend. The family asks that you wear the color red in memorial. For those who cannot make it in person there will be a live stream of the event (follow this link to get setup: Service Live Stream ). Military honors and interment will take place at 9:00 AM on September 22, 2025, at Dayton National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Paralyzed Veterans of America (PO Box 758589, Topeka, KS 66675-8589, pva.org) or All Kids Play (655 Lee Road, Northbrook, IL 60062, allkidsplay.org) organizations that embody Brad's spirit of service and belief that every person deserves a chance to play, laugh, and belong. Brad Baker didn't just live for 58 years, he made 58 years worth living for everyone around him. His legacy isn't measured in years but in lives touched, spirits lifted, and hearts forever changed by his presence.

Rest easy, Brad, knowing you gave us all enough love, laughter, and light to last a lifetime.

Paralyzed Veterans of America
PO Box 758589, Topeka KS 66675-8589
Web: https://pva.org

All Kids Play
655 Lee Road, Northbrook IL 60062
Web: https://allkidsplay.org