Mr. Cleo V. "Pud" Baker, age 83
Cleo V. "Pud" Baker of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 9:15 PM – Tuesday, February 2, 2016, at his home.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM – Saturday, February 6, 2016 at the Free Methodist Church in Newton, Illinois with Rev. Steven Bruns and Rick Emrich officiating. Burial will be in the Aten Cemetery in Hidalgo, Illinois with full military rites by the Jasper Post #20 American Legion. Visitation will be held 1 hour before the service. In loving memory of Cleo, memorials may be made to the family. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois.
Cleo better known as "Pud" was born on May 14, 1932, in Wheeler, Illinois, the son of Luther and Leah (Shamhart) Baker. He married Connie L. Finn on July 10, 1956, in Newton, Illinois and she preceded him in death on March 25, 2012.
Pud worked for the City of Newton and retired as the custodian of the Jasper County Courthouse. Pud also raised horses and competed them in harness racing.
Pud enlisted in the United States Army on December 4, 1952 and he was honorable discharged on November 12, 1954.
Pud was a very active member of the Free Methodist Church in Newton, Illinois and was always busy doing for others. He enjoyed horse racing and was an avid Chicago Cubs Fan.
Pud is survived by: Daughter – Cindy Lou (Richard) Cumber of Pingree, North Dakota
Son – Bruce Lane Baker of Millestone, New Jersey
Grandchildren – Joseph Lane Baker, Lacey Dawn Baker, Brittany Nichole Baker, Dylan Allen Fagan and Sawyer Baker
Brothers – Lloyd (Ann) Baker of Tennessee and Chuck (Judy) Baker of West Salem, Illinois
Sisters – Norma Harris of Newton, Illinois, Dora Mae Martin of Wheeler, Illinois and Esther Johnson of Oregon
Pud was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister Inez Finn and a brother Roy Baker.