Stefon DeShaun Baker, 22, of Centralia, formerly of Urbana, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, February 19, 2015 at St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

A visitation will be held Friday, February 27, 2015 at the Urbana Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene, 1808 S. Philo Rd., Urbana, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held immediately following the visitation at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 28th at Eastlawn Burial Park, located on Cunningham Ave. in Urbana. Pastor and close family friend, Wayne Clevenger will officiate both services.

Stefon was born August 10, 1992 in Joliet, Illinois to Parents John Louis Baker and Stephanie Tosheka (Maborn) Gray, who will continue to cherish his loving memories. Also left to cherish his memories are his loving stepmother, Ruth Baker, paternal grandfather, John Baker, Sr. (Ruby), and maternal grandfather, Cleva Maborn, all of Illinois. Stefon is also survived by his siblings: Tyrease, Talisha, Lanaiydia, Charlie, and Kemora Baker, all of Illinois, Tyra Carey, of California, Davina Woods, of California, and Amanda and Azia Maborn, both of Illinois. Also surviving are special aunties, Melissa Maborn and Carrie Miles, both of Illinois, special uncle, Antwane Maborn (Tara), of Tennessee, and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Stefon was preceded in death by his paternal great-grandparents, Nancy Ann and Nathaniel Baker, Sr., paternal grandmother, Geraldine Baker, and maternal grandmother, Linda Sue Maborn. He was also preceded in death by his uncle, Joel Baker, and cousin, Andrew Baker.

Stefon graduated from Urbana High School in 2010, where he was a star football player. He also played baseball and basketball. Sports were a huge part of his life, and he enjoyed volunteering as a coach and referee for youth teams. Stefon attended MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL, where he played as an Offensive Guard on the football team.

Though he was young, Stefon touched many lives through both his leadership in sports and his participation at the Lighthouse Church, where he was a member since the age of 11. He attended youth groups, ushered at services, and was an assistant teacher at Vacation Bible School. Stefon loved helping the Pastor in every way that he could. Because of the strong influence from the church and his family, Stefon was a loving and caring young man.

Stefon worked two jobs- as a clerk at the Circle K gas station on Philo Road in Urbana and in the mail room of the News-Gazette. He then moved south to begin working as a brownie ingredient mixer at Pinnacle Foods, Inc.

Stefon worked hard to earn respect from others, and in return respected them as well. He loved his family dearly, and held dear the time he spent with his siblings and parents.

Contributions may be made in Stefon's memory to the Urbana Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene. Condolences may be offered online at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.