CMS [Ret.] Larry Joe Baker, 60, of Anna, died at 9:20 a.m. Thursday May 4, 2000, at his home.
He was born on October 14, 1939 in Wolf Lake, the son of Joe Virginia Markert Baker.
He married Carole Anne Keistler on July 29, 1975, in Anna.
Survivors include wife Carole Anne Baker of Anna; two sons, David Baker of Jonesboro, and Michael and his wife Lisa Baker of Jonesboro; his mother-in-law and father-in-law Ruth Anne and Frank Keistler of Anna; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Barbara and Chuck Grace of Upland, Calif.; a brother-in-law and sister-in-lawn Jim and Zari Keistler of Anna, a nephew and niece, Aaron and Rachel Keistler, a grandson, Dalton Baker, three step grandchildren, Brandon, Cody and Lindsey; aunts and uncles, including aunt Helen Marie Gray of Anna; other relatives and friends.
His parents and a daughter, Jennifer Anne Baker, preceded him in death.
Mr. Baker was a member of the First Baptist Church in Anna. He was a member of the VFW's Carroll Foster Post 3455 in Anna.
He was a life member of the Non-Commissioned Officers of America.
He serviced in the U.S. Army for 26 years and achieved the rank of sergeant.
At the time of his retirement he was a command sergeant major,
He served in Viet Nam for a total of 33 months and saw duty in eight campaigns.
His last command was as command sergeant major of U.S. Army's Tropic Lightning Division at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii.
Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Monday, May 8, at Lutz & Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna.
The Rev. Larry Shacklee officiated.
Interment was in the Anna Cemetery, with full military honors by V F W Post 3355 of Anna.
Memorials can be made to the respiratory therapy unit at St, Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro or to the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna.
Lutz & Rendleman Funeral in Anna was in charge of arrangement.
Note: Larry Joe Baker played football at A J and graduated with the class of 1957.
Anna Jonesboro Community High and graduated with the class of 57.