Fredric L. Baker

Fredric L. Baker, 81, of Marion, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on February 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Carbondale, Illinois, on November 12, 1943, Fred lived a life full of hard work, love, and a little bit of mischief.

On March 17, 1972, he married the love of his life, Dianna Heyde Baker, and together they built a beautiful life filled with family, faith, and adventure. He proudly served his country in the United States Army before going on to work as a heavy equipment operator with Local 318.

When he wasn’t working, Fred could be found tending to his farm, shooting a game of pool, or sneaking off to the porch with a bowl of ice cream. Over the years he loved traveling to Texas to visit his son, and spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. His faith was a big part of his life, and he truly adored his church family at the United Methodist Church in Creal Springs, Illinois and at Grange Hall Freewill Baptist Church. He was a member of the American Pool Association.

Fred is survived by his devoted wife, Dianna; his children, Mark Clendenin, Brandon (Katie) Baker, John Baker, Kimberly (Kent) Schultz, and Timothy (Terri) Robertson; his grandchildren, Austin Baker, Adeline Clendenin, Dylan Clendenin, Ashley (Devin) Robertson, Whitney (Doug) Meade, and Colten (Courtney) Schultz; and his great-grandchildren, Gunner Meade, Cache Meade, and Tanner Schultz. He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Liz and Dennis Dunn, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Charles and Linda Heyde, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kimmel Fredric and Afton Lee (Robertson) Baker, along with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Regina Heyde.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Binkley-Ross Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Grange Hall Freewill Baptist Church in Marion, Illinois, with funeral services following at 12:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Kevin McNeely. Burial will take place at County Line Cemetery, where full military honors will be rendered.  Please visit www.binkleyross.com to leave condolences online.  In lieu of flowers the family requests with gratitude that memorial donations be directed to Grange Hall Freewill Baptist Church in his memory.

Fred leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a whole lot of sweet memories.