William R. "Bill" Baker, 77, of Monticello died December 15, 2003 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Lafayette.

He was born in Monon on November 6, 1926 to Leslie and Irene Clerget Baker. He married Mary Jane Christensen on June 28, 1953 in Monon. She survives.

He had lived in White County all of his life and was a 1944 graduate of Monon High School.

He was an Army veteran, serving during World War II.

He had worked for many years for the Monon L&N, CSX and Amtrak Railroad and was a life member of the retired Railway Employees.

He loved to fish and play golf.

Surviving beside his wife are a daughter, Mary Beth (John) Watts of Monticello; sons Maurice Baker of Monticello and Howard Baker of Monticello; sisters Shirley (Hank) Balcom of Pennsylvania, Carole (Gerry) Stinson of Monon; brothers Don (Jean) Baker of Buffalo and Joe Baker of Fresno, Calif.; and three grandchildren.

Brothers Earl and Jerry Baker and one grandson preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2003, at Miller-Roscka Funeral Home in Monticello. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday with Rev. James R. Copeland officiating.

Burial will be at the Bedford Cemetery, Monon.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.