Samuel Eugene Baker

Creal Springs--Samuel Eugene Baker, 82, of Creal Springs, died on Friday, July 12, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer. Sam passed away at home surrounded by his loving family. Sam was born in Goreville on February 8, 1931 to James Samuel and Ruby (Short) Baker. Sam was a sheet rocker for 49 years. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War. Sam especially loved to mow lawns and work on lawn mowers.  He had a wonderful sense of humor, bright smile, and loving nature that will never be forgotten. His greatest joy was his dog Misty. His family and friends will hold the memory of this special man in their hearts forever. Sam is survived by his companion, Cathy Turner of Creal Springs; Former wife, Barbara Baker of Johnston City; Son, Mike and Marytom Baker of Pittsburg; Daughter, Barbara and Rick Verbal of Murphysboro; Daughter, Jeanne and Billy Dean of Johnston City; Step daughter, Paula and Craig Hansen of Carterville; Grandchildren, Jeremy and Julie Baker of New Dennison, Ashley and Justin Cavitt of Pittsburg, Angie and Brian Keown of Murphysboro, Karri and Rick Goodnight of Murphysboro, Luke Verbal and Sarah Dunmeyer of Elkville, Amanda Verbal and Jeremy Partridge of Murphysboro, Josh Dean and Sarah Schwarz of Johnston City, Nick Dean of Johnston City; Great-grandchildren, Noah Baker, Makayla Baker, Isaiah Baker, Blakely Cavitt, Kenadie Cavitt, Jericho Cavitt, Tyler Verbal, Logan Keown, Tessa Verbal, Erica Hansen; Sister, Clarice Killman of Marion; Brother, Ron and Norma Baker of Marion; Brother, Jack Baker of Marion; Lots of special nieces and nephews. Sam was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, James Robert “Bob” Baker; Four sister, Agatha Tanner, Opal Hill, Carolyn Johnson, and Rosetta Short. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion. Reverend Chris Cutsinger will officiate. Burial will follow at Cana Cemetery in Goreville. Military honors will be presented by Marion’s Military Ceremonial Team comprised of Marion’s American Legion and VFW Posts. Assistance will be provided by the National Guard Flag Honor Detail.  Visitation will be from 11:00am-1:00pm on Tuesday at the funeral home. For those who prefer memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of Southern Illinois.  Envelopes will be available and accepted at Blue Funeral Home in Marion, 1704 North Court Street, Marion, Illinois  62959.