SFC Thomas E. Baker. U.S. Army, (Ret.), 75, of Paxton passed away peacefully at 10:40 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2026 at VA Valor House, Danville.

Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Baier Family Funeral Services, with Chaplain Rita Manning officiating. Burial with Full Military Honors to follow at the Danville National Cemetery.

Thomas was born August 24, 1950 in Rantoul. He was the son of Vernal and Margaret Abbott Baker. He married Deborah Jean Craft September 27, 1973 in Paxton. She survives.

Along with his wife, Deborah, he is survived by two daughters, Courtney (Angela Singleton) Baker of Paxton, Brittney (Criss) Wilson of Floyd, VA; four granddaughters, Alexa Baker, Suriya Wilson, Eryn Wilson, Emely Wilson; one great granddaughter, Violet Farris; one brother, David Baker of Toledo, Ohio and two sisters, Pat James of Christiansburg, VA and Linda (Leon) Peck of Cadiz, KY.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, Margaret; two brothers, Vernal Baker, Jr. and Dale Baker; and his beloved dogs, Ruby Jo "Boo" and Master Sergeant "Gunnar" Thomas Maxwell.

Tom proudly served his country in the United States Army for 23 years. While in the Army, he served three tours in Germany and a tour in Korea. Tom was a highly decorated combat veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a Motor Sergeant and as his career advanced, he became a Battalion Motor Sergeant and retired from Fort Carson, Colorado where he worked for the Generals staff. Tom was once asked if he would do his military career all over again and he responded with "in a heartbeat".

He worked for True Line Wire Guidance, Downs, Illinois for 11 years. He loved working on cars and anything mechanical, reading and fishing.

Memorials may be made to the family to be used for the benefit of The Community Living Center/ "Valor House" of the Danville VA or the ministry of Hooves of Hope, Potomac. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.