A Funeral Service for Raymond E. Baker of Lakeview, Arkansas, will be 11:00 am, Friday, September 14, 2018, at Kirby & Family Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend Dan Duncan officiating. Visitation will be Friday, September 14, 2018, from 10:00 am until service time, at Kirby & Family Funeral Home Chapel.
Raymond passed away September 9, 2018, in Mountain Home, Arkansas at the age of 75. He was born July 30, 1943, in Bono, Arkansas, the son of Arvel and Mamie Hancock Baker. He married Phyllis Houston on June 15, 1963, in Alton, Illinois, and was a painter for Caterpillar, Inc, for over 35 years. Raymond lived in Lakeview since moving from Pekin, Illinois, in 1992. He was a member of the Masonic lodge in Peoria, IL, F&AM #263. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, and watching the Cowboys. He was there to lend a helping hand every time he was able. Together, Phyllis and Ray fostered 90 children in their home.
Raymond is survived by his three sons, Raymond Eugene (Kim) Baker, Jr. of Pekin, IL, Kevin Baker of Lakeview, AR, and Brian Baker of Lakeview, AR; daughter, Sherry (Kevin) Leahy of IL; mother, Mamie Baker Schlobohm of Alton, IL; sister, Lataua (Les) Applegate of Godfrey, IL; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father; wife; and three sisters, Edna Murphy, Jennetta McNealy, and Kathy Williams.
Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at
www.kirbyandfamily.com
.