Robert Baker

Bob was born Sunday, November 2, 1941, in Washington, D.C.; the only child of Arthur R. and Helen M. (Wohlleb) Baker. Bob grew up in Alexandria (Franconia), Virginia, and graduated from Annandale High School, Class of 1960. Soon after graduating, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at the Philadelphia Naval Yard, Pennsylvania. Bob served on the U.S.S. Guam, holding the rank of Seaman Apprentice, and received an honorable discharge in May, 1965.

On February 27, 1965, Bob married the love of his life, Ollie Darlene Graves; together they raised four children. After Bob’s discharge from the Navy, he relocated his family from Philadelphia, PA to Willingboro, NJ, where he was employed by Ambrose L. Jackson Electronic Organ Repair. Bob later became self-employed, and for more than twenty years, owned and operated his own electronic organ repair business, Baker Electronics Co., Electronic Organ Service.

Upon Bob’s retirement, Bob and his wife relocated to Skandia, Michigan, where together they built a home, started their own trucking company, R & D Baker Co., LLC, and drove as a team, which allowed them to travel and visit extended family. After Darlene’s passing, Bob again retired; he enjoyed spending time with family, thought provoking conversation, riding his tractor and front-end loader, target practicing, or just riding around the property on his Gator. Bob loved looking at the stars and universe through the lens of a telescope, wondering what lies beyond; his love of Astronomy extended throughout his life and he especially enjoyed taking his family on Astronomy camping trips when his children were young.

Bob is survived by two daughters, Cynthia Baker and Julie R. Baker, both of Skandia, two sons, Robert Baker, Jr. of Rock, MI, and Jamie (Julie M.) Baker of Chesaning, MI,; Eight grandchildren, Robert Baker III, Kevin (Pamella) Jenkins, Shyanne Baker, Wyatt (Elizabeth Swidorski) Baker, Dylan Baker, Olyvia Baker, Cassidy Nachtman, and Steven Ayotte, and five great grandchildren, Bubba and Dinno Jenkins, Caiden Swidorski, Delilah Baker, and Robert Buchanan IV. Bob is also survived by his lifelong childhood friend/brother, James C. Rice of Alexandria, VA.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Darlene.

A celebration of Bob’s life with full military honors, will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Silver Creek Church, 219 Silver Creek Rd., Marquette, MI 49855. Visitation at 12:00 noon, service at 1:00 p.m. with refreshments to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to a charity of your choice.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.