Thomas "Tom" C. Baylor

Thomas “Tom” C. Baylor, 63, of Machesney Park, passed away on June 29, 2021. He was born on September 4, 1957, in Rockford, IL to William and Carlotta (Johnson) Baylor. Tom attended Harlem High School where he enjoyed playing baseball and graduated in 1975. Tom served in the Marine Corps for 4 years and was honorably discharged. He married Maria Easton in Loves Park, IL on May 15, 1982. Together they raised 3 wonderful children. Tom retired from the Rockford Fire Department as a Lieutenant in 2008 after 27 years of service as a Firefighter and Paramedic. He shared his knowledge and passion for Emergency Medical Services by teaching the EMT and Paramedic program in the Rockford area for over 15 years. He was also on the dive team, color guard, extrication team, and a Trustee for North Park Fire Department. When he wasn’t serving the Rockford community his greatest joy was spending time with his family. He loved being on the water and was part of the Ski Broncs team along with his wife and son for 8 years. Tom was happiest when he would take his family up to their cabin in the Dells and spend the day cruising the river on his pontoon boat. He was a wonderful man that will be missed by all that knew him.

Tom is survived by his wife of 39 years, Maria; his children, Krissa Whaples, Karl (Alyssa) Whaples and Andrew (Erin) Baylor; his grandson, Malachi Whaples; his father, Bill Baylor; his sisters, Dawn (Michael) Oswald and Terese (Larry) Peterson; his mother and father-in-law, Richard and Barbara Easton; his brothers-in-law, Daren (Kathy) Easton and Ron (Katrina) Easton; his sister-in-law, Shelly (Tim) Gruner; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother, Carlotta Baylor, and his brother, Edward Baylor.
The family would like to send a special Thank You to Jessica at the VA and Vienna at OSF for all the compassion and care they provided.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 11, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108. Cremation rites will be accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family. Share online condolences and memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory.