Thomas Lawrence Baker

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Thomas Lawrence Baker, 88, passed away Thursday, October 16, 2008, at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield.

Tommy was born August 12, 1920, in Blytheville, Ark., to Richard and Octavia (Hubbs) Baker. As a boy he attended Dorsey School, a one-room in the Dorsey Valley in Gallatin County.

He was a farmer and coal miner in Equality and worked as a stationary engineer in Chicago until his retirement. He was a WWII Army veteran.

On May 14, 1945, he married the love of his life, the former Dona Lee Syers, in Morganfield, Ky. Tommy loved spending time with his family and he enjoyed telling stories of his youth in Southern Illinois, playing the harmonica and fishing and hunting with his grandson.

Surviving are his loving wife of 63 years, Dona Lee of West Chicago; devoted daughter, Martha Harpling of West Chicago; cherished grandson, Chris (Danelle) Harpling of Streamwood; dear sister, LaVerne Struchen of Downers Grove; and many nieces and nephews.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents; twin sons, Richard Duane and Charles Wayne; sister, Gladys Vinyard; brothers, Lee Roy, Hildred, James, Raymond, Richard Jr., and infant sister and brother, Opal and Charles.

Tommy has been cremated as to his wishes and a Memorial Service will be held later. Earl Jones Funeral Home in Equality is in charge of arrangements.