John Baker

John Henry Baker, 79, of Cerro Gordo, has joined his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for his eternal walk on Monday, September 22, 2014. John was born to Lucille and Jesse D. Baker on November 19, 1934 in Oakley, IL, as one of 13 children. He married Barbara Jesse in Mt. Zion, IL on January 8, 1956 and they have been married for 58 years. Together they raised five children in Cerro Gordo, Synda Bowlby (Elroy), John Alan (Marsha), David Lee (Janet), Kim Lehmann (Mark), and Tracy Lynn (Patrick). John loved his church and community. He gave many volunteer hours to special committees and boards within his church serving as a Deacon and a Board of Trustee. He also served his church district as a Camp Emmanuel Board Member and a Board of Directors Member for the Pleasant Hill Village Board in Girard, Illinois. He served as the Cerro Gordo Building Inspector, Fat Hill Fest Chairman, Cerro Gordo Lions Club, Cerro Gordo Jaycees, and Brintlinger Ambulance Service. He volunteered his time and travels to the Kentucky Mountain Mission, in their efforts to support those less fortunate. He worked with any special committee that was created to produce a Cerro Gordo celebration. No matter what the cause, he wanted to bring his beloved community together. While serving his community, he worked at Caterpillar, Inc., where he later retired after 28 years. John was recognized by the Fat Hill Fest Committee as the events Grand Marshal and served this honor with great pride for his hometown. John is survived by his faithful and loving wife Barbara, all five of his children and their spouses. Brothers and sisters, Harvey Baker, Lucille Warnhoff, JoAnn Kestner, Betty Valentine, Ilene Johnston, Thomas Baker, Mary Valentine and Michael Baker. Grand children: Travis and Nikki Bowlby, Todd Whitaker, Traci Herbert, Angel Beasley, Benjamin Baker, Melissa Amescua, Melinda Wilkens, Brett Lehmann, Kassi Williams, Allysa McConnell, Tristan Powers, Chelcy Gabriel, Seth Gabriel, and Braxton Gabriel. 17 Great grandchildren and over 125 nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, "Jack" Jesse D. Baker Jr., Charles William Baker, Theodore Baker, Ethel Boggs, Robert Baker, and one sister at birth. A service of memorial will be held Saturday, September 27, 2014 at the Cerro Gordo Church of the Brethren. Visitation will be held at 10:00 A.M followed by the memorial service at noon. Memorials may be made to the Cerro Gordo Church of the Brethren, 102 East Durfee Street, Cerro Gordo, IL. "
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