Charles "Chuck" Baker, age 96, of O'Fallon, Ill., born July 20, 1925 in Lenoir City, Tenn., passed away peacefully at home on August 5, 2021, while holding Harriet's hand.

Growing up in Tennessee, Chuck was an avid University of Tennessee Volunteers fan. He joined the US Navy as a young man, and served on the USS PC-1264 submarine chaser during World War II. He was proud to have been honored recently with an Honor Flight trip. He attended St. Louis University, and was a certified public accountant, working for over 60 years in St. Louis and the metro-east community. He was Past President of IL CPA Society, and member of O'Fallon Boosters Club, and had enjoyed golfing, playing corkball, and fast-pitch baseball.

Chuck served his community as "Chuckles the Clown" in the Moolah Shriners Clown Unit, and was a member of Court 81 Royal Order of the Jesters, and was a longtime Mason. He supported his wife Harriet in her many civic projects.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jay and Gladys Baker, a special uncle Frank Baker, and sister-in-law Frances Gieneles.

Surviving are his wife of almost 50 years, Harriet Baker of O'Fallon, Ill.; children Steve (Jan) Baker of Lenexa, Kans., John (Joanne) Baker of Reading, Penn., Elaine (John Vlahek) Doias of O'Fallon, Joanna (Richard) McMahon of Springfield, Va., Tina (Dave) Hagelstein of O'Fallon, and Janet (Pete) Newcomb of St. Louis; 11 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren, and several godchildren.

Memorial donations in his memory are suggested to Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church or to Shriners Hospital for Children. The family is especially grateful to friends Kim Barth, his caregiver, and Debbie Hoylman-Capecchi, his neighbor, for their help and kindness. The guest book may be signed at www.wfh-ofallon.com . The family will host a celebration of life event at a later date.

Visitation: The family will receive friends 9 – 10:30 am, Friday, August 13, 2021 at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 405 Huntwood Rd., Swansea, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral service will begin at 10:30 am, Friday, August 13, 2021 at the church, with Rev. Achilles Karathanos, presiding. Livestreaming will be available via http://www.ssconstantinehelen.org /.

The family kindly asks you to wear a mask while visiting indoors.

Burial with military honors will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens.

Chuckles in Heaven

Thank you Chuck Baker for opening your heart
to a group of young teenagers right from the start
With tough times at home and needing our space
the place to go was 4 Vanderbilt Place

When our burden was heavy and impossible to carry it
we could always count on Chuck and Harriet
You'd be hard pressed to find a man any kinder
if you have any doubts just ask any Shriner
If you needed a laugh and were wearing a frown
He'd brighten your day as Chuckles The Clown

If you longed for a smile and you wanted it soon
He could make it happen with the twist of a balloon
To have hundreds of friends wasn't all that unusual
He was even beloved by the great Stan Musial

When called by the Navy to serve our great nation
He was an integral part of the greatest generation
Your daughters all loved you, could drive you insane
There are no better sisters than Tina, Joanna, and Elaine.

With your hand in Harriet's and the Cards on TV
You decided that Heaven was the place to be.
When you get to the gates the Big Band will be playing
Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra! Is all you'll be saying.

When they open them up and let you go through
say "Hi" to Naunny, we miss her too.
I raise my glass with a martini so dry
May your travels be light as we say Good-bye
Rest easy old friend for your work is done.
Thank you for treating me like I was your son.

We love you Chuck.
A tribute by Brian Villhard