Gary Baker

Gary Leonard Baker, 54, of Hoopeston, passed away at 5:50 a.m. Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at V.A. Illiana Healthcare in Danville. Gary was born on July 2, 1953 in Rantoul, Illinois, the son of Leonard Preston and Shirley Ann (Miller) Baker. He married Julie Arseneau in December of 1974 and they were married until January of 1987. Gary has surviving two daughters- Brooke Baker and Brandie (Bobby) Dominquez of Albuquerque, New Mexico; six grandchildren- Anthony Martinez, Angelina Martinez, Mary Martinez, Jordan Salazar, Selena Salazar, and Alyssa Salazar all of Albuquerque, New Mexico; father- Leonard (Gail) Baker of Hoopeston; six brothers- William Baker of Sheldon, Jerry (Cindy) Baker of Hoopeston, Brian (Beth) Baker of Hoopeston, Danny Baker of Hoopeston, Mark Baker of Hoopeston and Ralph Baker of Hoopeston; five sisters- Rhonda Baker of Hoopeston, Sharon Baker of Hoopeston, Julie Holt of Hoopeston, Delores (Greg) Cushman of Williamsport, Indiana, Shelley (Les) Garrett of Hoopeston; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, sister- Vonna Robinson, and brother- Christopher Baker. Gary graduated from Watseka High School. After school he joined the United States Navy and served for 14 years as a cook in the Navy. Gary worked at several different local restaurants as a cook for several years. He attended First Freewill Baptist Church in Hoopeston. Gary loved to cook and spend his time with his family. He was a diehard Cubs, Bears, and Illini fan. He was a member of the VFW in Hoopeston. A Celebration of the Life of Gary L. Baker will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 20, 2007 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Pastor Billy Joe Maynard officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 " 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be at 10:00 Monday at Danville National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family in lieu of flowers. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.