William R. Baiker

William R. Baiker,(Bill) age 81, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025. William was born to the late Earl Baiker and Gertrude Baiker on August 8th, 1943. Beloved husband of the late Helen Baiker (nee Jones); loving father of the late William R. Baiker Jr. (survived by Elizabeth Baiker), Michael (Jennifer) Baiker; adoring grandfather of Mike, Kate, Jon, Bailey, Brooke, Triston, Earl, Shawna, Rachel; dear brother of Richard (Marie Witney) Baiker and Lynn (Tom) Russell.

Bill was a lifelong baseball fan, especially of the Chicago White Sox. One of his favorite places in the world was the Field of Dreams in Iowa. He was also a Civil War buff and a passionate reenactor with a deep appreciation for the 26th North Carolina Infantry Regiment. His love for history took him to Gettysburg and other American Battlefields.

Music was another great love of his. He had been playing guitar since grade school and idolized Link Wray, Dickey Betts, and Duane Allman. Over the years, he played in several bands, drawn to Southern rock, Country, and Classic rock. His adventurous spirit didn't stop there- during the early 70's, he spent a couple of years in roller derby and wrestled in the Midwest circuit, with some matches aired on local television. Wrestling under the name Bill Lynch, he teamed up with Mad Dog Drummer in the era of legends like Dick the Bruiser.

At heart Bill was an Old West cowboy. He had a deep love for the frontier and was especially drawn to Colorado, where Manitou Springs became a cherished family vacation spot. He loved the mountains, horses, and had a horse of his own named Dallas.

Above all Bill was devoted to his family. He and Helen were their sons biggest supporters when it came to music, always opening their basement for band practice. To Billy's friends and bandmates, Bill and Helen were affectionately known as Mr and Mrs “B”. The house was always filled with music, either on the stereo or from the basement with either Bill’s band, Billy’s band, and later on Mike and Billy’s band practicing. Bill and Helen were most proud when Billy and Mike were in bands together. They never missed a show.

But, nothing brought Wiliam more joy than his grandkids. They were his pride and joy, and spending time with them was what he loved them most.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday February 21st, 2025 at Blake Lamb Funeral Home 4727 W. 103rd Street, Oak Lawn from 4:00pm until 8:00pm.