Ken Bakin

Ken Bakin, 60, of Peoria Heights passed away Friday, January 17, 2014 at Unity Point Health Proctor Hospital in Peoria. He was on August 13, 1953 born in Braddock, PA to Joseph and Gloria Weiss Bakin. Surviving is his wife Bonnie (Crawford) Bakin whom he married in 1994. Ken cherished his sons (step) Jake (Heather) Tharp of East Peoria, Justin (Jessica) Tharp of Bartonville. Also surviving are his mother, Gloria Bakin of Bradenville,PA, siblings, Thomas (Cheryl) Bakin of Pittsburgh, PA; Theresa Whalen of Bradenville, PA; Phillip (Laura) Bakin of Kearneysville, WV. and three special nieces, Shan Whalen Green of Dover Delaware; Traci Whalen of West Palm Beach FL; and Joscelyn Lockwood of Peoria, who thought of him as a father figure. Ken lived for his six grandchildren Ivan, Luci, Olivia, Ozzy, Jack and Molly. Additionally, he had many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, friends and coworkers. His father, and one brother, Joseph Bakin, preceded him in death. Ken was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He graduated from Westmoreland Community College where he served as class president. He then attended California University in Pennsylvania where he received a Bachelor's degree in computer science. Ken worked for the Council of Better Business Bureaus where he was instrumental in developing the BBB's first computerized data systems. After moving to Peoria he worked for Ruppman, Rohn Industries, and Advanced Technology Systems. Ken was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, an animal lover, a grandmaster of rock lyrics and bad puns. But most of all he was the most wonderful, amazing Grandpa in the whole world. Cremation Rites have been accorded and a celebration of life will be held at Barrack's Cater Inn, 1224 W. Pioneer Pkwy in Peoria on Thursday, January 23, from 5-7:30PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be sent to Make-A-Wish Foundation.