Mr. Baker was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He volunteered many years with construction of new Kingdom Halls, and he regularly participated in Bible education work. Virgil’s main enjoyment in life was to always be there for his family.
Through the years, Virgil has done long-haul and local truck driving. He started out owning one of the first flatbed trucks in the area. He then worked for Parrish Trucking in Freeburg, IL. After decades of doing carpentry work, he drove local for Angelica Linens in Columbia, IL, until his retirement. He learned the skill of cabinet making and owned Baker’s Home Improvement for several decades. After his retirement, he enjoyed making and repairing items in his shop.
He was always willing to help family and friends. It wasn’t unusual for him to even stop to help a stranger.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Helen, nee Pulcher, Baker; a brother, Donald Baker; as well as numerous dear brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Virgil is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Ruthie, nee Dotson, Baker, whom he married on May 16, 1959; four daughters, Rita (Alan) Biffar, Glenda Baker, Cynthia Hawkins, and Sherry (Isaac) Nicholls; three grandchildren, Joshua Biffar, Daniel (Chara) Hawkins, and Jennifer Hawkins; two great-grandchildren, Rhett and Caleb Biffar; two brothers, Harold and Henry Baker; two sisters, Doris (Robert) Bates and Jaye Sandidge; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family, to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Belleville, IL, or to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Belleville, IL. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, August 26, 2022, and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 27, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 27, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Brother Robert Bates officiating. To watch the services online, please click the Zoom link below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81379922878?pwd=NlREdGp2M3M5QnV0dG1uS0s1WldlQT09
Burial will be at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Belleville, IL.