Virgil Baker

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Virgil Lamoin Baker, 87, of Swansea, IL, born August 2, 1935, in Murphysboro, IL, passed away Saturday, August 20, 2022, at his residence with his family by his side. For some years, he struggled with Progressive supranuclear palsy, a Parkinsonism. Then he had complications from strokes.

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.

 

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8 Comments on Virgil Baker

Andrew Elmore said : Guest Report Aug 27, 2022 at 8:02 AM

We are sorry for your loss, Virgil always had a smile on his face I remember the most. We send our condolences to the family.

  • Arnold
  • Mo
Lyle & Brenda Henneke said : Guest Report Aug 25, 2022 at 11:45 AM

Will never be anyone else like Virgil…. Can’t wait to see that grin of his again in the NW where he will be healthy again….. 🙏🏻💜

  • New Athens
  • Il
David W. Robertson said : Guest Report Aug 24, 2022 at 8:36 AM

I had the honor working with Virgil and Henry at Angelica. Great times! Keeping the Baker family in our prayers.

  • New Athens
  • IL
Tina Hicks said : Guest Report Aug 23, 2022 at 7:30 PM

Uncle Virgil was an inspirational husband whom I recall always treating my Aunt Ruthie with love and respect. He created a home that was always a comfortable and joyful place to visit and is part of some of my most cherished childhood memories. I know Ruthie and his girls will miss him so much, as will all of us-his family as well as his friends, but we can take comfort in the promise of a joy filled reunion with his family in the new system.

  • Columbia
  • IL
Bonna Prater said : Guest Report Aug 23, 2022 at 3:03 PM

Sending our love and prayers to Ruthie and family. Always enjoyed visiting with Virgil. Always had a smile and and enjoyed a conversation. May God wrap his arms around you and comfort you knowing he is pain free now. Thinking of you all, Love Bonnie and Allen

  • Nebo
  • Illinois
Laura & Jim McGarry said : Guest Report Aug 23, 2022 at 2:52 PM

Henry and Baker Family, We are sorry for the loss of your brother Virgil. Our thoughts are will your family.

  • Smithton
  • IL
Erma Hopping said : Guest Report Aug 23, 2022 at 11:26 AM

Words can’t express what a wonderful person Virgil was. I rarely ever seen him get upset or show any hostility toward anyone. He was one of the best brother in laws. May Jehovah gives you , Ruth and his family peace and comfort… love you all. Erm

  • Morton
  • Il
Colleen Starkey said : Guest Report Aug 23, 2022 at 11:19 AM

Virgil was a very kind person and a very special brother-in-law. He was always there to help when I needed it. I will miss him so much but look forward to seeing him again w/o pain and suffering in God’s New World. My deepest sympathy to the family.

  • Roxana
  • Il.

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