Nathaniel “Nate” Baker III

Nathaniel Baker III was affectionately named "baby brother" by his two-year old sister, Natalie, when he first arrived home from the hospital, September 1981. There were other names as well, Little Nate, Junior, LJ but the name, Brother, stuck with family.

Nate graduated Nazarene Nursery School and Kindergarten, St. Mary Magdalene Grade School, and Joliet Central High School. He later graduated from DeVry University with an Associates Degree in Electronics and Computer Technology. He was employed by FlavorChem, Pepperidge Farm, and BioMerieux Electrical Manufacturing Engineering.

In April 1990, Nate and his brother, Benjamin, were baptized at Mt. Ebal Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev. Theodore H. Pinnick. He sung in the Mt. Ebal Children's, Youth, and Adult Choirs. He later moved to Lombard, IL to be close to his son, NaShawn (Latoya Houston, mother) in his formative years.

Through the years, Nate spent many good times with his sister, Natalie and brother, Benjamin, and their families. There were plenty of family get-togethers when it was possible. Everybody remembers the Las Vegas and Disney vacations.

Nate had a passion for cooking and sports. He watched sports all the time while growing up in the Baker household. Fantasy football was fun with his buddy Anthony each year. He desired to run a food truck in the future with close friend, Anthony.

Preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Edward and Olivette (Williams) Anderson; paternal grandparents, Nathaniel and Nancy (Bates) Baker; uncles: Edward Anderson, Jr. (Barbara, deceased 2022), John Baker, Sr. (Ruby); aunts: Sarah Marsh, Edna Singleton (Carey, deceased 2011); and sister, Natalie Baker (deceased 2014).

Nate leaves to cherish his memories one child, NaShawn J. Baker of Aurora, IL; bonus son, Jaylin Wright of Aurora, IL; his parents, Nathaniel and Karen (Anderson) Baker of Joliet, IL; brother, Benjamin (Morgan) of Waterloo, IA; extended family of cousins, friends, and relatives; as well as his buddies for life, Anthony Hudson and Danny Thompson, Jr.