William F. Baker, 84, formerly of Galesburg, died at 6:23 p.m. Tuesday, August 13, 2024, in Vonderlieth Living Center in Mt. Pulaski.
He was born August 30, 1939, in Galesburg, the son of Francis Gilmer and Leola Ellen (Whitman) Baker.
He is survived by cousins, Sharon Heideman (husband Dale-deceased), Sheryll Myers (husband Jack), Pam Shinall (husband Carl), Gailyn Johnson, Allyson Hash, David Heideman, Mike Elmore, Trevor Brown, Shelley Hutchison, and Tim Shinall. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Bill graduated from Galesburg High School in 1957 and went on to attend and graduate from Brown’s Business College. He worked as an accountant from 1959 to 1984. He then worked for Dick Blick from 1985 to 1996. He retired early to care for his parents. He was a member of the Abingdon Christian Church.
In his spare time, Bill enjoyed playing cards and bowling on a league. He loved sports and was a huge Chicago Cubs fan. Bill also was a volunteer for FISH.
William had served in the United States Army Reserves and was honorably discharged on March 12, 1968.
Visitation will be 1 to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services of Galesburg. The funeral service will begin at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Linda Mowrer officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in East Linwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Abingdon Christian Church. Online condolences and memories may be shared on the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com.
