Rolla E. "Gene" Baker

Rolla E. "Gene" Baker, age 87 of Cobden, died Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at Integrity Healthcare. He was born July 19, 1932 on the family farm east of Jonesboro, the son of Rolla and Effie Baker. He married Vaneta Jo Brown. Gene is survived by his wife, Vaneta Jo Baker; children, Keith (Colleen) Baker of Edwardsville, Kent (Lori) Baker of Dumfries, VA, Kim Collins of Cobden, and Gaynes (Sandy) Pecord of Cobden; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; special niece, Jama Batson of Waterloo; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jack Baker; sister-in-law, Betty Baker; nephew, Eric Baker. Gene attended Anna Jonesboro High School where he played football and he graduated in 1950. He served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was a founding member of Southern Counties Auto Unlimited, and he was an avid street rod enthusiast. He worked as a mechanic and operator for E.T. Simonds. Private graveside services will be held for the immediate family. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of the V.F.W. in Anna.