Donald J. Baker, 84, of Bloomington, passed away at 8:07 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2011 at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal.
He was born March 4, 1927 in Cooksville, IL, son of Maurice J. and Gladys Leola Mae James Baker. He married Istra M. Rapp on April 10, 1948 in Bloomington, she preceded him in death on September 17, 2009 in Normal. He was also preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Geraldine Baker Ball and two brothers, James and Maurice Baker.
Surviving are one son, Donald E. (Dora “Sue”) Baker of Bloomington; one daughter, Laura Lee Pettie of Bloomington and three grandchildren, Donald T. Baker, Lisa S. Baker and Carson Ball. Also surviving are five sisters, Myra Baker, Phyllis Wellenreiter, Lois (Ron) Hall, Carole (James) Kalmes and Rita Baker and three brothers, David (Vona) Baker, John (Madeline) Baker and Joseph Baker and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was a United States WWII Navy Veteran, where he was a Provost Guard of German Prisoners of War. He served on the USS Houston in Europe during the final days of World War II.
Don worked as a lead man at Beich’s Candy Co in Bloomington for over 30 years, retiring in 1990.
His passions were his family, music and fishing and hunting. He played lead guitar with Roy Satterfeal’s band. He enjoyed playing at the VFW in Heyworth on Thursday’s open mic nights which he helped organize. He also played at various other locations in the area.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at East Lawn Funeral Home in Bloomington, where visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Interment will be at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Bloomington.
Memorials may be made to the Illinois Heart and Lung Foundation, 1302 Franklin Ave, Suite 4500, Normal, IL 61761 c/o Kathi Franklin. Online condolences may be submitted to www.EastLawn-Bloomington.com.
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