George Robert Baker (88) of Effingham

George Robert Baker, age 88, of Effingham, IL passed away peacefully at 11:52 a.m. on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL surrounded by his family.

George was born March 5, 1935, in Sigel, Illinois to parents Lucy DeBault and Paul Baker. He graduated from Effingham High School as a Hall of Fame Athlete in football and basketball. He married Mary Catherine Althoff on September 17, 1955, and was married until her death on February 2, 2010. George was a proud member of the Local Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union since 1960 and worked most of his career at Boos Plumbing and Heating of Effingham until his retirement in 1993. George was a lifelong and talented athlete, including a competitive water skier. He was an avid golfer and member of Effingham Country Club. He played golf until just a few months ago, including shooting a round of 72 last summer when he was 88 years old. George was blessed to have wonderful friends throughout his life and always enjoyed the Friday Night Dinner and Card Night Club.

George was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings.

He is survived by his four children, Georgina Baker, Debby Wagner (Doug, died September 23, 2023), Russ Baker, and Kent (Lori) Baker; grandchildren, Ryan (Stephaney) Cornell, Matthew Cornell, Kelli Moon, Adam (Diana) Moon, Danielle Wagner, Stacey Lewis, Stephaney (Garrett) Pinter, Jesica (Matt) Jones, Alissa (John) McNicholas, Mary Gwen Baker, and Madison Baker; and 24 great-grandchildren. George is also survived by his long-time companion and partner Nadine Steagell, who was with him up until the time of his death.

He will be dearly missed by all his family.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 26, 2024 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham with burial following at St. Anthony Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Wetherell Place in Effingham, IL (payable to: Wetherell Place/CLO) in honor of George’s grandson Matthew Cornell.