Coach Gene Baker

Coach Gene Baker, age 79, of Granite City, Illinois passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023 in Chesterfield, Missouri. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on November 20, 1943 to Edward and Mildred Baker (nee Carroll).

Gene is survived by his children, Eugene (Maria) Baker, Barrett (Kevin) Pastor, and Brigit (Michael) Stanley; granddaughters, Cameron Pastor, Paige Pastor, and Riley Baker; grandsons, Ryan Stanley, Evan Stanley, and Beckett Baker; great-granddaughter, Elena Mineo; and great-grandson, Dominic Mineo. Also survived by other family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward M. Baker; and mother, Mildred Sarah Baker.

In addition to being dearly loved by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, Gene was the center of his family and to him nothing was more important than the love of his family. All of his children and grandchildren were the lights of his life.


Gene was an icon in the soccer world being inducted into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame. He also led the Granite City Warriors to 9 state championships. The soccer field for the Warriors is named after Gene as the Gene Baker Field.


To share a memory of Coach Gene or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.