May 22, 1949 - March 20, 2023
John Lewis Baker was born May 22, 1949, in Sterling, IL to Floyd Nolan Baker and Fern Ann (Adams) Baker. John graduated from Sterling high school in 1967. He worked as a mason with his father, Floyd, until moving to Cheyenne, WY. There, he met Penny Perkins. They were married August 20, 1986, in Las Vegas, NV. John worked for several landscape and material companies as a CDL driver during the summer. He liked to spend winters in Mesa, AZ. He loved history and traveling.
John would spend days at history museums in various parts of the country. He was very good at trivia. John and his brother Tom would get together and tell whoever would listen about their misguided adventures. John loved to talk to his family members about what was happening in Sterling (gossip!). He had a great sense of humor. John’s cousin Jerry remembers John as a kind man. John passed away at home on March 20, 2023.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Fern, brothers Martin and Thomas, and cousins, Rick Evans and Mike Baker.
He is survived by his wife, Penny Baker and their beloved 10-pound poodle, Avery (named after his grand-father), Thomas' wife, Shari, Rick's wife, Gayle, brother-in-law Ray Perkins (Claudia), cousin, Jerry (Mary), Cathy Baker (Mike's wife), nephews Matthew Baker (Stacey) and Travis Perkins (Ann), nieces Darci Baker Schmitt (Ivan), Megan Weemer (Steve), Tracy Sanchez (Sid), and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
Colorado viewing was held at Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home on Friday, March 24, 2023, at 5:00 PM with Rosary at 6:00 PM.
Illinois viewing will be held at McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls, Illinois on Thursday, March 30th at 5:00 PM. Services will be held at McDonald Funeral Home on Friday, March 31st at 10:00 AM with Reverend Jacob Gawlik from St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will be immediately after services at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling, IL. Luncheon to follow at St. John's.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Paralyzed Veterans (PVA), The Humane Society, or charity of your choice.
