John L. Baraks

John L. "Jack" Baraks, 77, of Orion, Illinois, died Sunday, April 20, 2014, in University Hospitals, Iowa City, Iowa, as a result of injuries he received in a farm accident on Friday, April 18, 2014.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday at Beulah Presbyterian Church, Orion, with The Reverend Linda Baldwin officiating. Burial is in Coal Valley Cemetery, Coal Valley, Illinois. Visitation is 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Trimble Funeral and Cremation Center, Coal Valley. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beulah Presbyterian Church, Orion Fire and Rescue, or University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Burn Treatment Center.

John Lee Baraks was born August 20, 1936, in Moline, Illinois, to Freeman and Dorothy McElwain Baraks. He married Nedra Hulsey on October 14, 1956, in Moline. He was employed by International Harvester - Case IH for 41 years, retiring in 1997. As a development technician, he was heavily involved in the development and testing the Axial Flow Combine. He was a member of Beulah Presbyterian Church and various pony clubs throughout the Midwest. He loved being with his children and grandchildren, farming, and training and showing ponies. He was a ‘jack of all trades,' enjoyed harness making, and loved his ponies, dogs, and cats.

Jack is survived by his wife, Nedra; two sons, Marcus Baraks and his companion Nancy Stephens of Apex, North Carolina, and Gregory Baraks and his wife Lori of Sealy, Texas; two grandsons, Johnathan Baraks and his wife Eryn, and Jacob Baraks. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jack's family invites friends to share stories and condolences and light a virtual candle in his memory at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.