Roger Otis Baker

Born on October 30, 1925, in Glasford, he was a son of Otis E. and Lois (Dudley) Baker. He married Norma J. Scott on April 30, 1945, in Glasford. She preceded him in death on July 7, 2015.

Roger was also preceded by his parents; one brother, Charles Dudley and one son-in-law, Don Stear.

He is survived by his son, Roger Scott (Janice) Baker of Belleville; two daughters, Peggy Starkovich of Marquette Heights and Candace Baker of San Marcos, Texas; 7 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren.

Roger proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Rifleman during World War II. He was awarded the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, the Purple Heart from the GO 20 HQ 43rd General Hospital and a Good Conduct Medal.

After the military, Roger worked for Keystone Steel & Wire Company in Bartonville for 34 years in several positions before retiring as a Foreman.

He was a longtime member of the Glasford Baptist Church, where he served on several of the church committees. Roger was also a member of the Foreign Legion and the Rainbow Division of the U.S. Army.

Roger enjoyed hunting geese, working on and building houses and most of all spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

His funeral will be at noon Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Glasford Baptist Church. Pastor Dan Pugh will officiate. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon Thursday at the church. Burial will follow at Kingston Mines Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in honor of Roger may be directed to Carle Health Hospice at https://carle.org/giving/give-today.

Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com.