As motorists drive on Route 2 in Painesville Township, they now see the signs in each direction: “Lance Corporal David Raymond Baker Memorial Highway.” The Ohio Department of Transportation placed them there at 3:15 p.m. Thursday in honor of the Marine who lost his life at age 22. On Oct. 20 last year, an explosive device killed Baker and others during his first tour in the Helmand Province of southern Afghanistan. The Ohio General Assembly approved the ODOT task after legislation was introduced by state Rep. Mark A. Schneider, D-Mentor, and state Sen. Tim Grendell, R-Chester Township. But it was the Marine’s mother, Laurie Lewkowski, who made her way to the site to place a cross before a memorial tribute at 4 p.m. the same day at Riverside High School, from which Baker graduated at age 18. “I also got my car license plates abbreviated for the word, ‘Lance Corporal,’ ” the mother said later in the school parking lot while surrounded by friends and family. Mark Baker, the father, was inside the auditorium hugging friends and thanking numerous officials for their efforts. “This all meant a lot to me and us. David served his country,” Mark Baker said, holding a smaller model of the highway sign made for the family. David also is survived by his step-mother, Rebecca Baker; his brother, also named Mark; and twin sisters, Lauren and Taylor Genovese. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Superintendent James Kalis and Riverside Principal William Wade joined the maintenance staff in arranging the auditorium for the event. Hosting, assisting or speaking at the event, along with the state legislators, were Painesville City Manager Rita C. MaMahon; the senator’s wife, 11th Appellate Court Judge Diane V. Grendell; township Trustee Jeanette A. Crislip; Jonathan R. Warmeling, director of the county Veterans Service Commission; and Lake County Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap. Most drove home by way of the memorial highway portion of Route 2.
