Bernard "Cowboy" Baker

Bernard (Cowboy) Baker passed from this earthly life on Friday, December 30th, 2022 in his place of business, Cowboy Up Bicycle Shop.

Bernard was born on August 16th, 1950 in Scott, Arkansas to Earlene (Taylor) Foster.  Earlene later married Lee Foster, who adopted Bernard in spirit.  Bernard was raised in love in Arkansas by his grandparents Archie and Gertrude Taylor, who he also lovingly referred to as mom and dad.  Although he was his mother's only child, he was raised in a household with his cousins who he considered his siblings, John, Vera, Faye, and Viola.

Bernard graduated high school in Arkansas.  After high school, he attended Tyler Junior College where he earned an associate's degree.  Bernard moved to Illinois to be with his mom as a young adult.  He joined the Navy and proudly served his country from 1970-1975.  He went on to obtain an associate's degree from Danville Area Community College.  He then went to work for General Motors.  With the closing of the Illinois location, he relocated to Indiana to finish out his time with the company.  When he retired from GM, he moved back to Illinois to be with his father.

After his retirement from General Motors, he was excited to start the next chapter of his life.  Bernard loved to write.  He was a poet and an author of books.  He wrote and published The Tall Cotton Gang trilogy, which is a book series about black Cowboys in the west.  He also put together a book of his own poetry called The Way I see Life.  Not only did he write about cowboys, he was a cowboy at heart.  He had a dream and goal of riding on horseback across the United States to California to promote his books.  He also loved the community that he lived in.  The past few years he started purchasing, collecting, and working on bicycles with the goal of opening a local shop where he would not only fix bikes, but also donate them to those who were unable to buy their own.  In 2022, he opened Cowboy Up Bicycle Shop.  The shop was first located on North street in Danville, IL.  He later relocated the shop to Vermilion Street.  Cowboy was extremely proud of his bicycle shop, and had a plan to close it down for the winter, remodel, and have a grand re-opening with a whole new vision. Bernard loved the Lord, he was baptized as a child at the age of 12 in Bearskin Lake in Scott, AR.  In 2019, Bernard said he wanted to re-commit his life to Christ, and was baptized again at his new found church home, The Assembly.  He loved going to church and being a part of a place where he felt welcome and loved.  Bernard had a big heart.  If he knew of a need, if there was something he could do to provide it, he would make it happen.  He had a great love for his children and grandchildren.  He would always speak on their accomplishments and encourage them to live out their dreams every chance he got.  He had a great desire to simply be present and show up for the people he loved in every way possible.

Bernard married Charlene (Bolden) Baker, and became a father to son Michael (Brenda) Gray.  He later united with Charlea Lewis, and from this relationship came a daughter Alauna (Marlan) Brown.  He went on to marry Donalee Yoho, and from this union came three daughters, Olivia (Shawn) Forrey, Brittany Nevels, Kortany (Sean Booher) Baker, and a son Larry Baker.

Bernard leaves to cherish his memory his six children, also his grandchildren Michael Gray Jr., Quintaria Gray, Mykale Gray, Je'Bren Gray, Genesis Gray, D'Juantae Boyd Jr., Lilliana Boyd, Davari Boyd, TaeAna Boyd, Ayress Boyd-Williams, Elias Brown, Kaynan Brown, Caiden Belzer, Taylor Belzer, Hendrix Forrey, Charlee Forrey, Jenaya Baker, Jaylen Baker, Foster Booher, Evalee Booher, and Jakobe Baker.  Also, great-grandchildren Azia, Michael III, Treasure, Landyn, and Journey.  He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of special friends and family.  Most recently, a few close friends were always in his corner, Clarence Hardimon, Terry Tyler, and his good friend Tim.

Cowboy was also a lover of animals, most recently his loves included his dogs Butch and Sundance, and his horse Mr. West.

Cowboy never let anything cause him to give up on any of his dreams.  He would say, "I'm going on my horseback tour, then I'm going home to Arkansas."  Proverbs 16:9 says, "A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps."  God had a different direction planned for Cowboy, and called him from this life before he could make his next step.

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents.

 A celebration of life will commence at 12:00 Noon Monday, January 9, 2023 at The Assembly located at 428 N. Walnut St. Danville, IL.  Eulogist: Ryan Harris. Visitation begin at 11:00 am until the time of the service.

A public viewing will be held on Sunday, January 8, 2023 from 12:00 Noon until 3:00 pm at Leek and Sons Funeral Home, Danville, IL. Interment: Danville National.

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