William “Bill” Baker, 77, passed away at Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at Franciscan of Lafayette.
He was born Sept. 29, 1948, in Cherry Grove, to Lewis and Minta Mae Shillings Baker. He was a 1967 graduate of Ladoga High School.
He served in the United States Army between 1968 to 1970. On Oct. 10, 2001, he married Judy West. She preceded him in death March 24, 2024.
Bill worked at both Crestline and Nucor. He was an avid fisherman and loved softball, bowling, Karaoke and baking. Most of all he loved hosting family gatherings.
Surviving family includes children, Shelly (Tony) Bunch of Douglasville, Georgia, Mike (Tina) Baker of Russellville, Eric (Karen) Hopkins of Marion and Angie (Craig) Fischer of Cincinnati, Ohio; grandchildren, Alyssa Woodall of Guntersville, Alabama, Kyla (John) McKee of Greencastle, Dylon (Miriam) Starnes of Indianapolis, Christopher Baker of Bedford, Julia (Stephanie) Hopkins of Indianapolis, Emily, Andrea, Lindsey and Ryan Fischer, all of Cincinnati, Ohio; great-grandchildren, Gage, Averie, Ryleigh, Zayne, Asher, Madelyn and Margot; siblings, Jean Baker Perkins, June Baker Casey, Lewis Baker, Naomi Baker Wertz, Jon Baker, Ruby Baker Reedy and Cathy Baker Overfelt; his pups known as his girls, Layla and Saddie; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife Judy; siblings, Dean Baker, Sharon Baker Crane, Betty Baker Lott, Becky Baker Parker, Dave Baker, Samuel Baker, Lois Baker Whitehead and Janet Baker Jones; and children, Christy Baker and Billy Baker.
A celebration of life will take place on Oct. 3 starting at noon Oct. 3 at Bill’s House.
Online condolences can be made at www.BurkhartFH.com.
