Mr. Baker was born January 7, 1925 in Good Hope, IL to the late John G. and Mabel J. (Ingram) Baker. He was one of seven children, four boys and three girls. He was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters. He was raised and educated in Good Hope, IL. He entered the Navy at the end of WWII serving as a Seabee in the South Pacific and the Panama Canal where he did woodworking. He was an avid basketball fan, loved gardening, woodworking and singing for the Lord. He retired from Cooper Industries (formerly McGraw Edison) in Macomb, IL after 33 years of employment as time study engineer. He lived most of his life in the Roseville, IL area and moved to Swainsboro, Ga after his retirement. He was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church of Swainsboro. Most of all he loved and treasured his family. He will be greatly missed and remembered for his generosity, humility and mostly his love for his Saviour, Jesus Christ. He married Phyllis J. Lewis in Good Hope on June 1, 1947.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Phyllis J. Lewis Baker; daughters, Cindy (John) Pool of Swainsboro and Pam (Terry) Allen of Monmouth, IL; sons, Ross (Emily) Baker of Swainsboro, John R. (Cindy) Baker of Sparta, IL and Sam (Joy) Baker of Monmouth, IL; 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be held at Calvary United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2014 with Rev. Nick Hazelton officiating.
Should friends desire memorials my be made in memory of Mr. John G. Baker to Calvary United Methodist Church, 421 South Main St., Swainsboro, GA 30401.
Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com
Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for the funeral of Mr. John G. Baker, 89, of Swainsboro.