Jack Lavern Baker Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Jackie L. Baker, age 84, of Marion, IL passed away peacefully with his family by his side, at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at his home. He was born on Wednesday, July 22, 1936, in Creal Springs, IL, the son of James Samuel Baker and Ruby (Short) Baker. Jack was united in marriage to Ruth Bernice Thurston on Thursday, July 7, 1960 in Pittsburg, IL and together they shared nearly 42 years of marriage until her death in 2002. His working career was with Mayflower Trucking as an over the road truck driver. He also put up dry wall and was a mechanic for many years working various jobs and places around the area. Jack was of the Baptist faith. In his spare time, he enjoyed working on anything with a motor. Jack was known for his ability to fix things, especially lawn mowers. His neighbors and friends knew to, “take it to Jack” and it would be fixed for them and fixed well. Lawn mower companies in the area knew him and would trade lawn mower parts with him if there was a part he needed. He collected model cars and enjoyed adding to his collection. He loved his family greatly, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a mood lifter, his sense of humor was enjoyed by all and his smile could light up a room. He enjoyed life to the fullest and enjoyed telling stories and talking to anyone that would listen. He didn’t have the heart to tell his grand kids any time they would make his oats or coffee the way he didn’t prefer, he would enjoy what they made with a smile. Those memories and many others will now be cherished by those he leaves behind. He is survived by his two daughters, Regina Heyde and Pamela Baker, both of Marion, IL; sister, Clarice Killman of Marion, IL and brother Ron Baker of Paulton, IL; three grandchildren, Chasity Corn and her husband Toby, Derek Baker and his wife Amanda and Jonathan Heyde; five great grandchildren, Brianna and Jack Baker and Olivia, Ridge and Landry Heyde; special friends, Rick, Debbie, Scott, Megan, and a many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife and his son, Calvin Baker who passed away at birth; grandson, Shawn Chamness; son-in-law John Heyde and Kenny Lee; two brothers, Samuel and James Robert “Bob” Baker, four sisters, Agatha Tanner, Opal Hill, Carolyn Johnson and Rosetta Short. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion. DUE TO HEALTH CONCERNS RELATED TO THE COVID-19 VIRUS AND BY THE SIGNING OF EXECUTIVE ORDER BY THE ILLINOIS GOVERNOR, if you are planning on attending the graveside committal service it is REQUIRED you wear a mask and social distance yourself from others. The graveside committal service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2020, in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, located northeast of Marion, with Rev. Kevin McNeely presiding. Those wishing to attend the graveside service should gather at the cemetery prior to 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. For additional information please call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

Jack Lavern Baker

July 22, 1936 - October 6, 2020