Jessie Baker

Jessie “Whitey” Baker, 77, of Bridgeport, IL, died at 7:37 p.m. (EST) on Monday, December 11, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN. He was born April 14, 1940 in Palestine, IL, the son of John O. & Jessie C. (Brashear) Baker, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his sister & brother-in-law, Mary & Jim Killian; and by his brother & sister-in-law, Albert “Al” LeRoy & Lois Baker. He married Etta (Waters) Bowman on December 10, 2017 and she survives. He is also survived by his sons & daughter-in-law, David Baker (Wheeler, IL), James & Vicki Baker (Palestine, IL), by his step-children, Debra Hamilton (Bridgeport, IL), Donnie & Paula Bowman (Bridgeport, IL), Jack & Traci Bowman (Sumner, IL), Ann & Keith Judy (Newton, IL), and Janet & Mickey Hilsher (Hord, IL); by his grandchildren, Baylee Baker and Jesse Baker; by his 12 step-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. Whitey was a 1958 graduate of Palestine High School. He proudly served his country as a Military Policeman in the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Germany for much of his tenure. Back home, he thrived in the garage, and was a longtime bus mechanic for Robinson CUSD #2. When he wasn’t working under the hood of a vehicle, he was on a motorcycle, and most recently enjoyed spending time on his Goldwing trike. He was also known to sing karaoke, and it was a great source of joy in his life. Family and friends alike will remember a big-hearted soul who could do anything he set his mind to. Whitey will never and could never be forgotten. A time of visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 16th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home, with Nick Petroelje officiating. 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. Memorials may be made to Lighthouse Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, IL with envelopes available at the funeral home.