Charlie Baker Obituary (1955 - 2014)

Lindsay "Charlie" Baker, 58, of Bloomington, died at 4:25 pm, Monday, January 27, 2014 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.His memorial service will be at Noon on Saturday, (2-1-14) at Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home, Bloomington with Rev. Michael Jacobs officiating. A private family burial will be in East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am to Noon on Saturday at the funeral home.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Central Illinois, Community Cancer Center or Dream Foundation (organization that grants wishes to terminally ill adults.)rnrnCharlie was born on September 20, 1955 in Ottawa, the son of Nina Fleming and Robert Baker. He married Cherrie Givens on May 30, 2003 in Bloomington. She survives in Bloomington with his beloved cat, Mickey.He is also survived by three daughters, Carrie (Eric) Clare, Moore, OK, Rebecca Panek Kelly and Rachel Rouse, both of Iowa; two sisters, Rhonda (Darell) Houchin and Roberta "Bobbie" (Gary) Brown, both of Bloomington; and many nieces, nephews and grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his maternal and paternal grandparents, a sister, Sharon, a daughter, Amy Secrist and a beloved cat, Tizbit.Charlie was a good man with a gentleness about him that sadly some people never spent time getting to know. They didnt see that side of him. He had a lot of love and compassion for animals. He would buy bags of walnuts to feed the squirrels and syrup for the humming birds.The last couple of winters, there was a special squirrel Charlie called Mr. Squirrel. He would come looking for nuts and if it was early and Charlie hadnt put the nuts out yet, Mr. Squirrel would come to the back door until he got Charlies attention.Cherrie would like to thank Charlies best friend and brother-in-law, Gary Brown for always coming to help when needed during the several months of weakness. She will be forever grateful and appreciated you never letting her down. She would also like to thank all the nurses, PCT Unit clerks and managers of OSFComprehensive Care Centerfor the absolutely wonderful care you gave him day and night and for always explaining what you were going to do even though Charlie wasnt awake. You treated him like a person with such loving, gentle care and compassion. The little things really do make a difference. Dont ever doubt that. And to Aleta of Aleta Janes Caf" on Morrissey Ave., for opening up your restaurant after hours to provide a place to get together after Charlies service. Your thoughtfulness and generosity to the family and friends is greatly appreciated. There is a special place in Heaven for people like you.Charlie will be loved and missed by all who knew him.