Victor Kenneth Baptiste

Victor Kenneth Baptiste passed away on September 6, 2015 at his residence. He was 61 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father, one brother, and one sister. Victor was born on September 4, 1954 and had recently retired from Springfield Mass Transit District after 32 years of service. He married his wife, Maggie, on July 11, 2003. Victor was happy-go-lucky and very mischievous. He always went out of his way to help family, friends, and his bus passengers. He listened with a compassionate heart and treated everyone with dignity and respect. His love and kindness touched many lives. Victor always kept busy and enjoyed working in his yard, walking the dogs, and also became fond of cats in his later years. He loved nature, animals, camping, fishing, playing poker, and excelled at garage sale bargaining. Curry competitions between he and his sons were the norm; however, no one could ever make a curry better than Victor. He loved sitting outside in the evening with a fire in the fire pit, listening to music and creating endless lists of things to do. Every day had a new goal. Victor is survived by his wife, Maggie; sons, Jason (Angela) and Jeremy (Stephanie); sister, Michele (Gene) Hill; brother, Leon; brothers-in-law, Tassilo Homolatsch and Mohammad Sajjad; and several nieces, nephews and overseas relatives, as well as nine grandchildren. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A private family burial will be held at a later date. In keeping with his love of animals, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of SCAC, P.O. Box 9742, Springfield, IL 62791.