Andrew 'Andy' Baker

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Friends of Andy Baker have received word of his death Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009, in Dallas, Texas.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years (Willow Baker); one son, Michael Baker of California; two daughters, Pamela Moore and Cynthia Baker of Texas; six grandchildren; and nine great-grand-children.

One son, Marc, preceded him in death.

Andy attended Harrisburg High School from 1941 to 1944 and was a graduate in the class of 1944. He faithfully attended all of his class reunions, including the last one in October 2008.

Visitation was held 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009, at Restland Mortuary in Dallas, Texas, with graveside service at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23, 2009, in Wilson, Okla.

Throughout the years, Andy communicated with local former classmates. Three days before his death he made his last phone call to a former classmate with this statement, "It looks like God has a lot of work to do and I guess I'd better pack up and go give him a hand."

In his memory and according to the wishes of his family, contributions to Hospice of Southern Illinois have been made by the Homecoming Committee and other classmates.