Dr. Arlen L. "Cord" Baker

Dr. Arlen L. (aka Cord) Baker, formerly of Highland, IL, died Tuesday, April 5th, 2022 at Hitz Memorial Home with his family by his side. Cord was born June 12, 1950, to Leo S. and Gloria J. (nee Reynolds) Baker in Mattoon, IL. On June 22, 1985 he married Barbara S. Mueggenburg in Highland, IL. Dr. Baker taught at Highland High School for 39 years and was business department chairman for many years. He helped students start their working careers as the school’s cooperative education director. His favorite aspect of his teaching career was helping students compete in business competitions. He sponsored chapters of both Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) and Business Professionals of America (BPA) during his time at HHS and was recognized as being an “honor” advisor in both organizations. Five of his students went on to become national champions. Music was a very important part of his life. He played in many different bands and traveled extensively throughout the U.S. as a one man band (solo act) for five years. He also loved nothing more than to attend a concert with his daughters and friends. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Baker, Alhambra, IL; 3 daughters, Dr. Audra (Dr. Derrick) Ward, Leawood, KS, Jamie (Douglas) Kuehl, Troy, IL, Kristi (Corey) Perigo, Pocahontas, IL; 6 grandchildren, Barrett Ward, Skylar Perigo, Chase Kuehl, Quinn Ward, Addilynn Perigo, Hayley Kuehl. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staffs of All In 4 You Home Health Services, Stillwater Senior Living, and Hitz Memorial Home for all of their help and dedication to our family the last 5 years. Another special thank you to Dr. Gus Davis of Washington University for his constant above and beyond support. Memorials may be made to the Hope Center for Neurological Disorders at Washington University or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.