Obituary of Vernon John Baker

Vernon John Baker, age 93, late of Laurinburg, NC, and formerly of Plainfield, IL, passed away on July 20, 2021.

Vernon was born on June 24, 1928 in Lena, Illinois to the late Dora S. Busjahn Baker and Edward Charles Baker.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Ratkovich Baker of Plainfield; son, Bradley Jay Baker of DeKalb; brothers, Walter Baker of Lena, and Wilbur Baker of Orangeville.

Surviving are two sons, Bruce Baker of Houston, TX and Brian Baker of Fayetteville, NC; one daughter, Vicki Cooper or Fayetteville, NC; one sister, Marian Michael of Sycamore, IL; and two grandsons, Chad Cooper of Buford, GA and Bradley Cooper of Kitty Hawk, NC.

Vernon was the youngest and first in his family to graduate from Lena Community High School in 1946.  He became the owner of a variety store in Shannon, IL, and later added a bowling alley next door. In the 1960s, he moved to DeKalb, IL, and worked in the Northern Illinois University Student Bowling Center. He also owned the first DIY car washes in DeKalb. In the late 1970s, he moved to Makanda, IL, and eventually worked for the Illinois Central Railroad. After retirement he moved to Mt. Home, Arkansas where he met his wife, Jean. Vernon was also a lifetime member of the ELKs.

Cremation rites have been accorded and services will be private.  Interment in Lena Cemetery, Lena, IL, will be at a later date.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com