Edmond Ray Baker

Edmond Ray Baker, 88, of Rockford, peacefully fell asleep in the arms of Jesus on August 5, 2008. Ray will soar through the air like an eagle, his spirit has been set free, when Jesus took him by the hand and said My son come home with Me. Ray was born October 12, 1919 in Golconda, IL the son of Joseph A. and Lula (Vandergriff) Baker. Ray married Jewell Hicks on October 19, 1941 in Jackson, Missouri and then moved to Rockford in 1955. Ray had owned a billy goat during his youth which he later traded for his first bicycle. He was a US Army Veteran of WW II having served from March 13, 1942 until September 25, 1945 and was a Sergeant and Tank Commander with Company B 707th Tank Battalion. Ray was active during the Rhineland Campaign and received the Purple Heart, EAME Ribbon, Battle Star and Good Conduct Medal. He had worked as a Foreman for Rockford Products from 1955 until his retirement in 1982. Ray was a member of the Rockford Masonic Lodge 102, enjoyed gardening with his wife, loved carpentry and learned early to: measure twice, cut once. Ray is survived by his devoted wife Jewell ( of 67 years his special daughter, Brenda (John) Parlapiano of Naples, Florida; his loving grandchildren, Myra (Ben) Glover of Maggie Valley, NC and Deborah (Kevin) Luers of Bloomington, IN; his adorable great-grandchildren, Abigail Kaye and Zachary Ray Luers; his brother, Jesse A. Lon Baker of Golconda, IL and many nieces and nephews. Ray was predeceased by his parents, seven sisters and two brothers. A special thank you to Rays caregiver Nash Amoama, Heartland Hospice, wonderful neighbor Sara Rosolia for her many casseroles and home made bread, good friends Sue Johnson and Paula and Larry Amos and Rev. Joe Barefield. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 11 am at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with Rev. Joe Barefield officiating. Burial will be in Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday from 5 pm 7 pm and Saturday from 10 am until time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 Eighteenth St., Washington, DC 20006-3517 or a charity of your choice. Family and friends may extend online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfuneralhome.com.