William D. Baker, 82, of New Athens, IL; born on July 8, 1935 in Marissa, IL; passed away on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at his home.

Mr. Baker attended the University of Missouri, Rollo and began his career working for the Illinois Department of Transportation working there for 42 years as an Operations Field Technician until retirement at age 62. After retirement Bill and Peggy enjoyed many years traveling in their recreational vehicle spending winters at Fort Wilderness in Disney World and summers in Durango, Colorado. Besides traveling Bill and Peggy enjoyed many years of ballroom dancing. He was a member of the Moose Lodge #1221 in Swansea, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents – Edward and Hazel, nee Lindsey, Baker. One sister – Dorothy Morgenstern.

He is survived by his loving wife – Peggy Joyce, nee Prest, Baker whom he married on March 13, 1958 in Hernando, Mississippi. His children – Jeffrey (Marlene) Baker of Sparta, IL; Gregory (Janet) Baker of Marissa, IL; Diane (Mark) Meyerhoff of Sparta, IL. Four grandchildren – Matthew (Trish) Baker; Christopher Baker; Megan Meyerhoff; Justin Meyerhoff. Two step-grandchildren – Drew Ferguson; Matthew Rayoum. Two great-grandchildren – Wyatt Baker; Elliot Baker. Brother-in-law – Eugene Morgenstern. Nephew – Roger (Jean) Morgenstern. Niece – Raynell (David) Gegel.

Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.heilschuessler.com.

Memorials may be made to Family Hospice or Pioneers USA Mission Organization.

Visitation: Friends may call at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL on Sunday, April 8, 2018 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm and on Monday, April 9, 2018 from 9:00am to 11:00am.

Funeral: A service of celebration will be held at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL on Monday, April 9, 2018 at 11:00am with Pastor Tim Baursach officiating.

Interment: Burial will be held in the Marissa Township Cemetery in Marissa, IL.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Edwina "Winnie" Hearell Earl says:

   01/29/2019 at 1:31 pm

   Sorry for the loss of your lives one. Please forward to Roger Morganstern. It has been many years since I have seen you! I still think back to the summer at the rec area sailing and shooting off M80’s. Please email me if you would like.

   Reply
2. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 3:27 pm

   Deepest sympathy……Praying for Grac& comfort for ALL OF you!

   Posted by: MaryJean Darrough – Coulterville, IL – Friend Apr 05, 2018

   Reply
3. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 3:26 pm

   Deepest sympathy to all! Bill was such a wonderful man and has left many great memories for all of us! Such a great blessing! Dena Vasquez

   Posted by: Dena Vasquez – New Athens, IL – Family Apr 06, 2018

   Reply
4. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 3:26 pm

   My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

   Posted by: jana kuhnert – pinckneyville, IL – Friend Apr 06, 2018

   Reply
5. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 3:26 pm

   Our sincerest condolences to you, Peggy and to your family. You will all be in our prayers. Will always remember Bill gliding, seemingly effortlessly, across a dance floor. You were such a beautiful couple.

   Posted by: Don and Dorothy Bollmeier – Marissa, IL – Friend Apr 06, 2018

   Reply
6. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 3:26 pm

   Sorry that you had a rough way to go Bill.
   Prayers are with your family during these difficult days.

   Posted by: Robert Biama – Coulterville, IL – Acquaintance Apr 06, 2018

   Reply
7. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 3:25 pm

   My condolences to the family. God gives us a hope of everlasting life that can sustain you. John 17:3

   Posted by: Renee Apr 07, 2018

   Reply