Roy A. Baker

Roy was born on January 4, 1926 in Edinburg, IL, the son of Ward Emert and Virgie Prior Baker. He married Patricia Lynn Reding on November 26, 1952 in Springfield and they enjoyed 66 years of marriage; she preceded him in death on May 16, 2019.

Roy served in the United States Army during WWII. He was part of the first group to help release prisoners at the Dachau Nazi Concentration Camp in Germany. Roy then worked as a teacher and administrator for many years. He retired from the Illinois Teachers’ Retirement System as Executive Director in 1981. Roy was one of the original founders of Springfield Plastics in 1978 and was chairman of the board until 1992. Until the age of 94, he was an avid golfer. He also enjoyed traveling, especially on cruises with his wife and friends.

He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Becky Zeiler; his parents; one brother, Ward Emert Baker, Jr; and sister, Inis “Marie” LeMar.

He is survived by his daughters, Debra (husband, Ray) Wellman of Cocoa Beach, FL and Linda “Luan” (husband, Brian; deceased) Austin of Springfield; three grandchildren, Loni (partner, Justin Gurnsey) Wellman of Rochester, NY, Jodi (husband, Danoby) Ortiz of Las Vegas, NV, and Kimberly Lynn Zeiler of Orlando, FL; two great-grandchildren, Brennen and Raegan Ortiz; one brother, Earl “Wayne” Baker of Auburn; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Private family ceremonies will be held. For those who wish to view the ceremony livestream, you may join us by visiting here at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 25, 2021.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pathways to Teaching, Rollins College, 1000 Holt Avenue #2726, Winter Park, Florida 32789.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home—Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL.