Clay Louis Baitman, 72, of Belleville, IL, passed away February 21, 2022 in the care of the Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital and Journey Care Hospice from complications related to Parkinson’s Disease. Clay had spent more than 2 years under the care of Alden of Huntley Assisted Living Center. He went peacefully in his sleep in the presence of family.
He was born in Chicago, IL on February 5, 1950, the son of Jacob and Gladys Baitman. Clay graduated from Oaklawn High School in 1968. He went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree from Albion College, and Master’s degrees from Western Michigan University, and Webster University in St. Louis.
Clay’s job as the Fire Chief of the Albion, Michigan fire department provided the focus for the rest of his life. He dedicated himself to the safety, education, and support of first responders and healthcare professionals.
Clay moved with his family to Southern Illinois where, in 1979, he became an instructor of Fire Science and Paramedic programs at then Belleville Area College. He then became Dean of Allied Health and Public Service, Director of the Police Academy, and finally Vice President of Instruction. He also spent many years working for the Illinois State Fire Marshall’s office. He retired in 2019 as a result of his Parkinson’s Disease. Through his work he touched the lives of countless fire fighters, police officers, nurses, paramedics, EMTs, and other health care workers and students in Illinois.
Clay enjoyed watching movies, cheering for his beloved Cubs, Bears, and Fighting Irish. He could be seen wearing his cargo shorts, sweatshirts, and untied New Balance running shoes, or driving his convertible with the top down regardless of the temperature. He loved taking people out to dinner as long as he didn’t have to eat anything green.
As a father, he enjoyed teaching the neighborhood kids about camping, bon-fire maintenance, and the importance of a good ghost story. His favorite spot on the planet may have been the covered bridge in Turkey Run State Park in Indiana while eating a PB&J (crunchy PB and grape J only).
Clay is survived by his sister Candy (Randy), his sons David Aaron (Heather) and Jeremy Glenn (Kelly), granddaughters Madeline Rae and Maya Grace, and nieces Tiffany and Brittany. He will be missed by many.
Visitation will be Friday, February 25, 2022, from 10 a.m. to time of service 12 noon at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
A Southern Illinois memorial is being scheduled later.
In lieu of flowers a memorial donation to the Parkinson's Foundation (http://parkinson.org/) or your local first responder charity.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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So blessed to have worked with Clay. His dedication and generosity touched the lives of so many, including mine. Rest peacefully.
Thank you Clay for your dedication to students. You inspired us all.
I started working for Clay in 2004 when I was 18 years old. At that point in my life, I was a young single mom who did not know what I wanted to do with my future. I worked as a student worker and then transitioned to a part time employee still working alongside him and Donna. I cannot even put into words on how he has changed my life. I still have not encountered a boss like him. Even after I was laid off from SWIC in 2017, Clay always continued to follow up and ask about my life, career in the military and my children. He truly was a SWIC legend and had the biggest heart anyone could ever imagine. I am very saddened by this news, but I am at peace knowing that he is no longer in pain. His legacy will continue in my life forever and I will always cherish the memories. Fly high Clay.
Clay was the best colleague and friend that anyone could ever hope for. He was like a brother to me. It was a blessing to know him.
Honored to have worked alongside Clay both at SWIC and as an elected community official. Clay shared his expertise in Public Safety with all of the surrounding communities which touched the lives of thousands of people who never had the opportunity to know him. Clay was a true inspiration and dedicated educator. Rest peacefully.
Clay was a good friend and colleague. He was the soul of Southwestern Illinois College and largely responsible for bringing the institution to prominence and great success. His selflessness and generosity are legendary. We all mourn his passing.
I was very lucky to have met Clay and care for him at Alden in Huntley. Clay always had the largest smile when I walked into his room, a smile I will greatly miss. Clay will be greatly missed by all.
Thanks Clay, for 40 years of dedication to the Fire Service in southwestern Illinois. Your unyielding commitment to excellence still echoes through our fire stations and will be felt for years to come. You changed the lives of responders, who went out and saved lives in our communities. Well done. Rest easy, Clay.
I was very lucky to have met Clay and care for him at Alden in Huntley. Clay always had the largest smile when I walked into his room, a smile I will greatly miss. Clay will be greatly missed by all.
Clay was a good friend and colleague. He was the soul of Southwestern Illinois College and largely responsible for bringing the institution to prominence and great success. His selflessness and generosity are legendary. We all mourn his passing.
Clay was my Dean at SWIC in the nineties, my condolences to the family.
Rest In Peace Dean Baitman! BAC Police Academy Session 64
Rest In Peace Dean Baitman! BAC Police Academy Session 64
Rest In Peace Dean Baitman! BAC Police Academy Session 64
I was extremely saddened to see Clay's passing in the newspaper. I enjoyed knowing and caring for him for many years. He was a very nice and noble man. I always enjoyed our visits and was saddened when he moved away but understood he was better off being with his family.I wish to express my since condolences will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Clay was the consummate professional. I never worked alongside anyone with a more intense work ethic or drive for perfection. He earned the respect of those he interacted with. Rest in peace, colleague