Harrison "Pete" Eugene Baker

Harrison 'Pete' Eugene Baker, 77, of Freeport, died Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at FHN Memorial Hospital from lung cancer. Pete was born in Freeport on November 25, 1935, the son of Albert and Arlene (Huett) Baker. On September 27, 1958, Pete married Carol Connery at the Trinity United Methodist Church. He worked at Burgess Battery until moving on to Kelly Springfield Tire Company, retiring after 32 years, 1963 to 1995. Sergeant Baker began his military career in Freeport'™s National Guard, Company B, 1st BN, 129th Infantry, 33rd Brigade and retired after 30 years of service as Command Sergeant Major, HHC, 2nd BN, 129th Infantry, 33rd Brigade. Pete was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Fraternal Aerie Order #679 Eagles, and National Rifle Association. He was also a weather spotter for the Stephenson County Skynet. Surviving Pete are his wife, Carol Baker of Freeport; son; Robert (Amber) Baker of Freeport; daughter, Connie Meyer of New Glarus, WI; sister, Sharon (Jim) Smull of Freeport; grandchildren, Christopher Meyer, Samantha Meyer, Aleisha Baker and Kyle Baker. Also surviving are six great grandchildren. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather; Oscar Aurand, sister; Dixie Nieman, and brother, Charles Baker. Funeral services for Mr. Baker will be Saturday 10:30 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, with Rev. Julie Bunt officiating. Full military rites will be accorded. Visitation will be Friday 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Burke Tubbs. There will also be a visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the service Saturday at the Church. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been established in Pete'™s memory. Please sign the guestbook at www.burketubbs.com.