Bruce Henry Baker

Bruce Henry Baker, 82, of Jacksonville, IL passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. He was born on October 10, 1943, in Griggsville, IL to Lyndle and Florine Fowler Baker. Bruce married Elfriede ‘Linda’ Steck May 12, 1984, and she survives.

Bruce graduated from Griggsville High School in 1961, where he was known as an exceptional athlete with a love for both basketball and baseball. As a young adult, he continued his passion for sports by playing slow-pitch softball. During his school years, he formed lifelong friendships with Bill Craven, Cork Shelton, Lynn Freeman, J. B. Carnes, and many others who remained dear to him throughout his life. Bruce proudly served as a lieutenant correctional officer beginning his career at Jacksonville Correctional Center in 1984 and then retiring from Western Illinois Correctional Center. One of Bruce’s greatest passions was playing pool. It was more than a hobby-it was a lifelong joy. Over the years, he won countless tournaments and awards, including 2022 BCA National Team Championship in Las Vegas. He also enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and traveling with Linda on several cruises over the years. Above all else, Bruce was a devoted family man who was a loving husband and an incredible father. He found immense happiness in his children and loved coaching their sports teams and supporting them as they showed livestock at county and state fairs. Bruce was a devout Christian who stood firm in his faith throughout his life. He will be remembered as a patient and forgiving man, who loved everybody.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Elfriede ‘Linda’ Baker; son, Michael (Dana Fee) Baker of Barry, IL; daughter, Jamie (Derek) Baker-Smith of Bradenton, FL; and stepdaughter, Sandra (Mike) Carmean of Louisiana, MO; grandchildren, Tayleigh (Johnny) Megehe, Keaton (Taylor) Baker, Brooklynn (Corbin) Riffey, Broderek Smith, and Travis Adams; great-grandchildren, Alyvia Adams, Harper and Tripp Megehe, and Timber and Ridge Riffey; and sisters, Sue Hobson and Sharon (Lynn) Freeman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyndle and Florine Baker; brother, Ronald Baker; and sisters, Annie Kaffenberger and Dottie Miller.

Funeral service will be held at 5:00 PM, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with visitation held prior to the service from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to be made to Griggsville Cemetery. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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