WILLIAM “BILL” ARNO BAKER

William "Bill" Arno Baker, 72, of Aurora passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2024.  He was born in Nevada on March 6, 1952, to Arno Forest and Georgia Marie [Phipps] Baker.
He graduated from Metz High School where he played the trumpet, ran track and played basketball. After high school, he attended Missouri Southern State College in Joplin where he played baseball and basketball for the Lions, majoring in physical education. 
In 1974, Bill began the "Coach" part of his life, coaching and influencing athletes in basketball, softball and track at Walker High School.  Here, he met his future "wifey" Jane. 
On Aug. 30, 1975, he married Patsy "Jane" Stark in Nevada and as husband and wife, they continued their love for coaching and teaching at Sherwood, Cass R-8 High School.
In 1984, he left his teaching career and began with Forrest T. Jones (FTJ), where he served Southwest Missouri school districts, totaling 42 districts at one point.  After 25 years with FTJ, he retired from teaching and went to work for AllState where he was known as the local "birthday singing" insurance guy for 12 years.
In addition to his professional career, he refereed college basketball and volleyball, was a radio broadcaster for the Aurora Houn Dawg football and basketball, which led him to become the voice of Friday Night Lights for the Houn Dawgs, he served as the Mayor of Urich, and has held positions with the local Rotary Club, and a Past President of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, and was a 40-year member of Aurora United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jane; his sons, Brett (J'ne) Baker of Clever, Scott Baker of Aurora, and Bart (Kaity) Baker of Plantsville, Conn.; daughter, Monica (Jeremy) Bowman of Jefferson City ; as well as seven grandchildren; his brother and sister in-laws, Gary Maggard, Jeff (Becky) Mitchem, and Tamara Stark; and a bonus child, Eric Willoughy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Betty Brown; his daughter, Whitney Leigh; his mother and father-in-law, John and Patsy Stark; his sister-in-law, Janet Maggard; and brother-in-law, Andy Stark.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10, at Aurora United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Maple Park Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.