Brian R. "Bake" Baker, 39, Rockford, died suddenly at 12:31 p.m. Oct. 4, 2014, at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater.

He was born Dec. 24, 1974, in Van Wert, to Bob and Barb Kline Baker. His father is deceased and his mother survives in Rockford.

Also surviving are two sisters, Beth Baker, Rockford, and Betsy (Patrick) Johnson, Willshire; four nieces and nephews, McKenna, Macy, Bodie and Parker Johnson; his fiancee, Kim Allen, Rockford, and her daughter, Alexis Allen, Decatur, Ind., and her granddaughter, Ryker Allen, also of Decatur.

He was employed by Thunderbird Products, Decatur, Ind., and was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Rockford. He lived his entire life in the area.

He was a Liberty Township trustee and an avid hunter of mainly coyotes. He was a big fan of the Reds and the Buckeyes, and was a very verbal sideline girls softball coach.

He loved his family very much, and he loved playing with his nieces and nephews, especially softball with the kids. He impacted so many of the student athletes and the student body at Parkway, and he loved watching their games. He was always straightforward and had a big heart. He would do anything for anybody.

Services are 2:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Rockford, the Rev. Catherine Costello officiating.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Wednesday and 1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday at the church. The family requests casual attire for all friends and relatives coming to the church.

Memorials may be directed to the Rockford Recreation Association.

Condolences may be expressed at www.ketchamripley.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford.