Joshua R. Baker, 43 of Aledo, died suddenly on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at his home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 18, at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo. Burial will be in Edgington Cemetery. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Baker Family for his son, Trevis, or to St. Catherine’s Catholic Church.
Joshua Robert Baker was born on March 16, 1982, in Aledo, Illinois, to Gary and Judith (Koenigsaecker) Baker. He was a graduate of Aledo High School and Black Hawk East. He loved the outdoors and it showed in his dedication to farming. His mentor, John Downey, helped him learn how to farm organically. Hunting mushrooms, fishing, golfing, or going on Ranger rides with his boys were just some of the things he enjoyed doing. Josh’s family enjoyed his cooking, especially when he grilled or smoked, with his ribs being a favorite. He loved to take on his boys in a video game or just loved listening to music with them, especially Metallica. Josh was a talented guitarist in his own right.
Josh’s collections varied from farm toys, sportsman items, and video games to anything to do with his favorite team, the Philadelphia Eagles. He also had a collection of animals over the years, with his current puppy, Starky, and cats, Thor and Dexter, although his favorite pet of all time was his Bernese Mountain Dog, Mickey. Poker Night was also a favorite with all his buddies.
Josh recently was searching and reaching towards a new belief in God and proclaimed his faith at the Gathering Community Church of Joy.
Those left to cherish Josh’s memory include his sons, Trevis Baker and Cade (Alexa Donaldson) Quick; grandchildren, Sophie and Cooper; parents, Gary and Judy Baker; brothers and sisters-in-law, Nate and Jill Baker and Aaron and Julia Baker; nieces and nephews, Michaela and Tanner Matlick, Kenzie and Austin Hyett, Jackson Baker, Benjamin Baker, and David Perrin; great-nieces, Emery and Ellie Matlick; and best friend, Scott Biddle.