Wayne Baker

Born March 8, 1941 in Peoria to Aubrey T. and Mabel Lee (Hullett) Baker, he married Joyce Ann Gray on November 10, 1962 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Crystal (Dr. Apichart) Radee of Peoria and Pamela Sue (Keith) Frick of Creve Coeur; five grandchildren, Soochon Radee of San Francisco, California, Roslyn (Dr. Brad) Smith of Bloomington, Brent (Jaclyn) Gregg of Metamora, Ashley Radee of New York, New York and Aubrianna Radee of Peoria; three great-grandchildren, Lucas Smith, Elias Smith and Hank Gregg; one brother, Douglas (Donna) Beakley of Chattanooga, Tennessee and one sister, Karen (Jon) Flynn of Georgetown, Kentucky.

He was a 1959 graduate of Pekin Community High School.

Wayne worked for Pabst Blue Ribbon for 36 years, retiring from their management in 1997. He then was a realtor with Century 21 in East Peoria for 12 years.

Wayne served the Village of Creve Coeur in leadership for 28 years, serving as Mayor for 16 years, 8 years as a village trustee and 4 years as the public works manager.

Wayne enjoyed family vacations at the Lake of the Ozarks for more than 50 years with the Jerry Jones family. He enjoyed boating, skiing and especially teaching family and others how to ski. He also enjoyed bowling in leagues and the Brother’s Tournament.

He was a member of Frank N. Nicol #1170, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Creve Coeur. He had attended Bethel Memorial United Church of Christ in Creve Coeur.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur. Pastor John Plunkett will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Paws Giving Independence, P.O. Box 9572, Peoria, IL 61612 or the Creve Coeur Community Center, in care of the Village of Creve Coeur, 101 North Thorncrest, Creve Coeur, IL 61610.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com