Alfred Eugene Baker

Alfred Eugene Baker

February 14, 1950 – January 13, 2026

Alfred Eugene Baker, of Goreville, Illinois, passed away on January 13, 2026, at Deaconess Illinois Hospital in Marion, leaving behind a life story etched in grit, loyalty, laughter, and love. A life that will continue to be told wherever his name is spoken with a smile.

Gene was born on Valentine’s Day in 1950 in Middlesboro, Kentucky, to Junior Baker and Margaret (Gohner) Baker. His early years were marked by hardship and change. Following his parents’ divorce in the 1960s, Gene moved to Chicago with his mother and siblings, John “Nunnie” Baker and Willimay Baker (Garza). Those formative years shaped the man he would become being stubborn, hardheaded, resilient, independent, determined, and unafraid to stand his ground.

On May 12, 1973, Gene married the love of his life, Harriet (Gofron) Baker. Together, they built a life rooted in devotion, partnership, and unwavering loyalty. Harriet was the center of Gene’s world, his constant companion, anchor, and greatest love of all. He would follow her anywhere, happily joining in any activity simply to be by her side.

As a young man, Gene answered the call to serve his country, proudly enlisting in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He nearly gave his life in service, carrying home not only the scars of war, but also a very quiet strength, unwavering loyalty, and a deep perseverance that defined him for the rest of his life. His service was not something he spoke loudly about, but it was something he lived with honor every day. Gene remained deeply connected to his fellow veterans and his community. He was a proud member of the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans (DAV), organizations that reflected his patriotism and unwavering respect for those who served.

Following his military service, Gene built a long and respected career as a metal welder. It was work that suited him well. Steady, precise, and honest. He took pride in doing things the right way, earning the respect of coworkers and peers through years of dedicated craftsmanship. He retired as a member of AFSCME, a distinction that reflected decades of hard work and commitment.

Gene was a man of contrasts. He carried a tough exterior and a famously hard-headed streak that earned him the nickname “Uncle Mean Gene,” yet those closest to him knew the truth. Beneath that shell lived a deeply generous heart that was quick to help, fiercely protective, loyal to the core and as funny as it gets. He showed love through action, not words. He showed up. Every time.

Family was everything to Gene. He was a very proud father of three children. He is survived by his daughter, Barbara Baker-Brice, who remained a constant source of pride.

His greatest joy, however, was found in his grandchildren, Steven, Nicole, Alyssa, Christine, Michael, and his great-grandson, Jaxson. To them, he was simply “PaPa.” He rarely missed a school event or sporting activity, cheering loudly from the sidelines. Win or lose, celebrations often ended the same way with ice cream, laughter, and stories. PaPa was beyond proud of the young adults his grandchildren became, and they loved him just as fiercely in return. PaPa was known for picking them up from school in his truck, windows down, oldies music blasting and moments filled with joy, freedom, and laughter that will echo through generations.

Gene believed rules were sometimes “flexible”, especially if bending them led to laughter or a good memory. He was known as the fun PaPa, the loyal friend, and “Mean Uncle Gene” to many nieces and nephews which was a title he wore with pride and affection. He loved card games, parties, friendly gatherings, and living life fully, often reminding those around him that joy was meant to be taken seriously.

In his quieter moments, Gene cherished life’s simple pleasures: playing pool, gardening, fishing, watching westerns, and expressing himself through drawing and painting. In later years, he found daily fellowship at Marion Club 60 Senior Center, a place he truly considered a second home. There, he and Harriet spent countless days laughing with friends, sharing lunch, drawing and playing a game or two of pool, or basically whatever Harriet told him to do.

Above all, Gene lived his life guided by faith. His devotion to God grounded him. His service to his country defined him. His family completed him.

Gene is survived by his loving wife, Harriet Baker; his daughter, Barbara Baker-Brice; his grandchildren; Steven Brice, Nicole Brice, Alyssa Brice, Christine Baker, Michael Baker and his great-grandson, Jaxson Baker; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who are better for simply having the pleasure of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Junior Baker and Margaret Gardner; his son, Paul J. Baker, and his daughter, Margaret Ann Baker. His brother, John “Nunnie” Baker; and his sister, Willimay Baker (Garza) also precede him in death.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Blue Funeral Home, under the direction of Binkley-Ross. Services will be held on January 16, 2026, at Blue Funeral Home, 1704 North Court Street in Marion, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Military honors will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to Marion Club 60 Senior Center, in Gene’s honor. Contributions may support either the food pantry or the activities department, helping ensure seniors in the community continue to thrive, just as Gene would have wanted.

Online condolences may be shared at www.binkleyross.com.

Gene’s legacy lives on in the strength he modeled, the laughter he sparked, the art he created, the rules he bent, and the family he loved without reservation. He lived fully, loved deeply, and leaves behind a treasure of memories forever.