SR0357 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0357 LRB101 12165 MST 59769 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Richard Dean "Dick" Baker, who passed away on April 6, 2019; and

WHEREAS, Dick Baker was born in New Sharon, Iowa to Paul and Helen (Brower) Baker on January 22, 1931; following high school, he enlisted in the United States Marines and served in Korea as part of an explosive ordinance disposal team; after his service, he settled in Joliet and was part of the United States Marine Corps Reserve; he married Avril "Babe" Baker at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus on October 9, 1954; and

WHEREAS, Dick Baker was a man of consummate hospitality and service; he and Avril assembled the Murphy Acres Munchkins for backyard Fourth of July and Labor Day celebrations; and

WHEREAS, Dick Baker was a Cub Scout and Indian Guide Leader, a Little League coach, a band parent, and a Jubilation Lounge chairperson; he served his Catholic Church community as a Parish Council President, Lector, Pastoral Care Minister to the homebound, Renew Group Host and Leader, and member of Fishers of Men; he was also a past volunteer with the Joliet Area Community Hospice; and

WHEREAS, Dick Baker was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Avril; his parents; his son, Greg; his brother, Chuck; and his daughter-in-law, Kim; and

WHEREAS, Dick Baker is survived by his sons, Mark (Denise), Fr. Brad, and Todd Baker; his daughter-in-law, Beth Baker; and his grandchildren, Richard (Ashlie), Bryan, and Brianna; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Richard Dean "Dick" Baker and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Dick Baker as an expression of our deepest sympathy.