Albert "Al" Leroy Baker

Albert “Al” LeRoy Baker, 79, of rural Flat Rock, IL, died at 3:20 p.m. on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at the Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was born August 24, 1937 in Palestine, IL, the son of John O. & Jessie C. (Brashear) Baker, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Lois E. Scharph on July 22, 1962, and she preceded him in death on October 20, 2015. He was also preceded in death by his sister & brother-in-law, Mary & Jim Killian. He is survived by his brother, John “Whitey” Baker & his friend Etta Bowman; and by numerous grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. LeRoy grew up in Palestine and was a 1955 graduate of Palestine High School. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He went on to work as a self-employed mechanic and also worked for International Harvester and Ryder. Away from work, he could often be found under the hood of one of his classic cars. It was his love of cars that brought him to the Crawford County Collectibles Car Club, where he was an active member. LeRoy was also an amateur clockmaker, and made countless timepieces through the years. Friends and family will remember a gentle, kind-hearted man who truly enjoyed helping others. He will long be missed by all who knew him. A time of visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 6th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 7th at the funeral home with Pastor Tim Watson officiating the service. Burial will follow in the Palestine Cemetery, where military services will be conducted by the combined units of the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, American Legion Post #69, and Marine Corps League Det #546, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. In LeRoy’s honor, memorials may be made to the Crawford County Collectibles Car Club, with envelopes available at the funeral home.