Michael G. Baker

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Michael G. "Bake" Baker, 55, of Du Quoin, passed away unexpectedly at 2:39 p.m., Thursday, April 19, 2012 at the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Mike had worked as a truck driver for Mathis Excavating. He had attended Du Quoin High School and served four years in the U.S. Navy Seabees Construction Battalion during the Vietnam Era and was a member of the Du Quoin V.F.W. Mike traveled and experienced life and ultimately settled back in his hometown of Du Quoin. He was multi-talented, a jack of all trades - master of none and a fun-loving free spirit. He was always there to help a friend. He was a collector of sorts and loved working on his beloved Jeep. He had a wonderful, unique sense of humor and wit. He rarely met a stranger. Bake will be missed deeply by all those who were fortunate to know him.

He was born July 6, 1956 at Du Quoin, Ill., the son of Jack L. and Patricia (Lennington) Baker.

He is survived by his parents of Du Quoin, one brother - Robert D. Baker and wife Dawn S. of Medaryville, Ind., one sister - Jean A. (Baker) Foster and husband Steven L. of Sesser, Ill., nieces - Jennifer Followell, Laura Fritz, nephews - Joseph Baker and Patrick Baker, Dustin Foster and Andrew Foster and great nephew and nieces - Natalie Followell, Chloe Baker, Allison Followell, Blake Baker and aunt - Shirley Baker of Du Quoin.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents - Louis and Leona Baker and James S. Lennington.

A service of remembrance and celebration of life was at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, April 22, 2012 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Friends called from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Burial was in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.

Military graveside rites were conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorials to the Du Quoin V.F.W. and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.