Published on August 24, 2026 11:35 am
Last Updated on August 24, 2026 11:35 am
Warren Alden Baker, age 103 of Louisville, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 11:55 am Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Illinois with his loving family at his side.
He was born June 3, 1923, in Flora, Illinois, the son of Glenn and Gladys (McVeigh) Baker. He was united in marriage to Codean Wolfe on September 17, 1949, at the Flora Christian Church, and they nearly shared 77 years of marriage.
He was a loving, selfless, and gentle man whose life reflected the quiet strength of a generation shaped by duty and perseverance. Warren’s journey was marked by his unwavering dedication to his country. In 1943, he voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a squad leader in heavy weaponry. His courage was proven in 1944 when he was wounded in Germany, an act of bravery that earned him the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged in 1946 at Fort Custer, Michigan, but his sense of responsibility and service continued throughout his life.
Following his military service, Warren worked in several roles, but he found his true calling with Wabash Communications, where he devoted more than 30 plus years as a repair and installation technician. He approached his work with skill, patience, and integrity, earning the respect of coworkers and customers alike.
A man of faith and community, Warren was a longtime member of the Flora Church of the Nazarene and a member of the Louisville American Legion Post 914. His commitment to public service was also evident through his involvement with the Louisville Town Board, the North Clay School Board, and more than 30 years of service with the North Clay Fire Protection District. He believed in giving his time and talents where they were needed, and he carried that spirit of service into every part of his life.
Warren also found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved the outdoors and especially cherished hunting, fishing, and camping trips with his family. These times together created memories that will be treasured for generations. In retirement, he and Codean traveled extensively, visiting many states and enjoying the adventure of seeing new places together. He was known for his friendly nature and his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. He had a gift for making others feel comfortable, and he was always ready with a story, a smile, or a listening ear.
He is survived by his wife, Codean Baker of Louisville; his children, Marsha Mink of Flora and Brad (Teri) Baker of Louisville; two grandchildren, Stacia (John) Frech, Deslynn Lewis; two step-grandchildren: Kimmi (Russ) Patrick, and Adam M. (Agnes) Mrozowski; and two great-grandchildren, Jadyn Lewis, Eastyn Frech; seven step great-grandchildren: Lexus Pointer, Dominic (Grace) Pointer, Jackson Thorpe, Nolan Mrozowski, Nicholas Mrozowski, Grace Patrick, and Nicole Patrick. His family was the center of his life, and he will be remembered for the love, encouragement, and steady presence he gave so freely to those closest to him.
Warren was preceded in death by his parents; brother: Jim and Edna Baker.
Funeral services to celebrate Warren’s life will be held at 2:30 pm, Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Flora Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Jake Phillips officiating. Burial with military graveside honors will follow at the Orchard Hill Cemetery, Louisville. Visitation will be held on Sunday at the church from 12:00 pm until 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Warren’s memory to Shriner’s Hospital for Children or the Flora Church of the Nazarene.
The McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or to share a memory or story of Warren, please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.