Thomas James Baker, age 56, of O'Fallon, Illinois, born December 21, 1955 in East Chicago, Indiana to John William Baker, Jr., and Rita, nee O'Donnell, Baker, passed away at home on Thursday, November 29, 2012.

Forever

the eyes of forever looking forward and back

see all that we hope for and all that we dream

the path of our lives holds all of the beauty

the dangers – oils of mystery on the breath of life

only the learned or lucky feel all of the best

of what we've been and what we dream

- written by Tom Baker

Tom spent his early childhood in Hammond, Indiana and later Independence, Missouri, before his family moved to Livonia, Michigan, where he graduated from Stevenson High School. His independent spirit led him to enlist in the US Marine Corps at a young age, entering the corps upon high school graduation, honorably serving from 1973-76. He earned his degree in Economics from Michigan State University. His career started out in the banking industry and included public accounting, auditing, and IT consulting, spanning various corporations in the Chicago area and Kansas City, Missouri.

Tom's spare time was spent camping, hiking, scuba diving and enjoying outdoor recreational adventures. He enjoyed a good game of basketball and was especially fond of his nieces and nephews. He moved to O'Fallon four years ago and was a volunteer on the St. Vincent de Paul Soup Bus through St. Nicholas Catholic Church.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society. Condolences may be extended to the family by visiting www.wfh-ofallon.com .

He was preceded in death by his father John William Baker, Jr.

Surviving are his mother Rita Baker, of O'Fallon; siblings John Charles "Jack" (Mary) Baker of Kansas City, Missouri; Kathleen Marie "Katie" (Steven) Frederickson of O'Fallon, Illinois; Patricia Irene "Patty" Vilag of Anderson, South Carolina; Janet Elizabeth "Jan" (Kevin) O'Hara of Walnut Creek, California; and William Carl "Bill" (Tracy Halward) Baker of Longmont, Colorado; and several much-loved nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Friends may call after 10:00 am, Monday, December 3, 2012 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, O'Fallon.

Funeral: Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 3, 2012 at the church, with Msgr. William J. Hitpas presiding.
Military honors will be presented at the church.

Arrangements entrusted to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O'Fallon, Illinois