Roy Baker

1938 - 2013

Roy Baker

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Roy Thorp Baker, 75, of O'Fallon, Ill., born March 10, 1938, in Canton, Miss., died Wednesday morning, Oct. 16, 2013, at his home.

Roy graduated from N. Charleston SC High School, attended The Citadel for two years, graduated from the University of South Carolina in Columbia in 1961, and later attained his master's degree from Webster University. He earned his commission through the Air Force ROTC, thus beginning his 30 year military career. He was a navigator in the C-124, C-141 and was an initial cadre instructor in the C-5. He also flew as a WSO in the F-4 during the Vietnam War. A graduate of Air War College and a plank-holder of the U.S. Transportation Command, he was a leader among his peers and a true patriot. For his outstanding work with the U.S. Air Force in Europe and German Air Forces during 1983-85, Col. Baker was awarded the Federal Armed Forces Silver Cross of Honor by the Federal Republic of Germany. His many decorations and awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster. At the time of his retirement from the U.S. Air Force in 1991, he was Vice Commander of MTMC (currently SDDC).

After his Air Force career Roy continued to support the military transportation community while working for Unisys, Loral, and later Lockheed-Martin. He was a vital contributor to the successful proposal efforts and contract execution for the Global Transportation Network. He loved to fish and as a master gardener for the University of Illinois he worked as a volunteer at the White Farm for the last eight years with the fruits of his efforts going to the local food pantries to help those in need. He was a good friend, a loyal husband, and a devoted father.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Isabelle, nee Thorp, Baker.

Surviving are his wife, Candace, nee Williams, Baker of O'Fallon, whom he married on Aug. 10, 1968, in Riverside, Calif.; his daughter, Lara Robertson of Maurepas, La.; his brother, Edward Baker of Bonneau, S.C.; his father-in-law, Earl T. Williams of Riverside, Calif.; his beloved dog Bella; and many good friends.

Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior project or the Quincy Hub of the Honor Flight and will be accepted at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered at www.wfh-ofallon.com.

Visitation: Friends may call after 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013, at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O'Fallon, Ill.

Funeral: Memorial service with military honors will begin at 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013, at the funeral home with Rev. Ron Dickinson officiating.

WOLFERSBERGER FUNERAL HOME, O'Fallon, Ill.