Robert (Bob) E. Baker – June 14, 2022

Robert (Bob) E. Baker, age 70, went to be home with Jesus on June 14, 2022 at St. Francis Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  He was surrounded by his wife and daughters and the music of his favorite hymns and worship songs.

Bob Baker was born October 4, 1951 in Kansas City, Missouri to Francis and Veronica Baker. He was the second of four children. Bob attended Van Horn High School in Independence, Missouri where he was raised.

He was married to Barbara Baker for over 27 years. Bob and Barb loved Colorado Springs and shared an affinity for creating beautiful backyard sanctuaries for Bible study, relaxing and resting while sipping coffee, watching birds and grilling. Their Christian faith was a central part of their relationship, and both love God with all their hearts. Bob and Barb love all things Colorado (except the Broncos)!

Bob had two daughters, Rhonda and Lori, during his previous marriage to Rosanna Baker. Rhonda and Lori recount an adventurous father who loved water hose fights with the neighbor kids, extreme snow-sledding, and creating a red-neck portable swimming pool in the back of his pickup truck for the girls.

Bob was also devoted to his family in Missouri who was known for his boyish mischief and brotherly pranks. His mom, Veronica recalls her “Bobby” putting a tiny snake in the pocket of his shirt and speaking with his mother until the snake peeked its head out causing her to scream! Siblings Gary, Sharon, and Sheryl all have stories of fun times with their brother.

Bob was a man of strong faith who shared his testimony with family, friends, and strangers. In retirement, Bob drove for Uber and used his retirement gig as a means of connecting with individuals who caught a ride with him. Bob’s ministry was one of kindness to all, genuine connections, and prayer for and with those he encountered.

Bob was also a skilled craftsman known for his one-of-a kind cigar box guitars. Over the years Bob carved wooden birds with his father-in-law, Robert Bates, built furniture, and painted landscapes. He was an avid bow-and-arrow hunter, participated in competitive shooting and black powder shooting competitions in his younger years, but became more content with observing and photographing wildlife later in life.

Bob loved his Kansas City Chiefs; but loved his country even more. His daughter Lori mentioned it was fitting that he passed on Flag Day because her dad was so patriotic. He was immensely proud of his daughter Rhonda’s service in the Air Force and his grandson Christian’s service in the Army with deployments to Afghanistan. Bob traveled to Seattle March of 2013 to greet the homecoming Christian after his final deployment.

Bob was enamored of all of his grandchildren and great-granddaughters. Christian, Remington, Katherine, and Wyatt were always on Bob’s heart and he loved visiting with them! He was blessed with great-granddaughters Georgia and Olivia Hough (born to Christian and Elizabeth Hough).

Bob was preceded in death by his father Francis Marion Baker, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Ellen Bates, and his brother-in-law, Bruce Bates.

Bob is survived by his wife Barbara Baker of Colorado Springs, his mother Veronica Baker of Independence, MO; his daughters and sons-in-law: Rhonda (Brian) Maydwell of Columbia, MO; and Lori (Paul) Broderick of Kansas City, MO. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Christian (Elizabeth) Hough of Columbia, MO; Remington Stone of Kansas City, MO, Katherine Hough of Columbia, MO, and Wyatt Stone of Columbia, MO; and great grandchildren Georgia and Olivia Hough (Christian and Elizabeth Hough). Bob is also survived by his three siblings: Gary Baker of Independence, MO; Sharon (Bob) Harrison of Gardner, KS; and Sheryl (David) Salter of Independence, MO.  He will be missed by many friends, and since Bob never met a stranger, the list is many.

A celebration of his life is scheduled for Friday, July 15, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at the World Prayer Center, 11005 Voyager Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO  80921.   In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

St Jude Children’s Hospital:     https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=home-btn-donate-now

Live Stream Service:  https://boxcast.tv/view/bob-baker-memorial—july-15-2022-tf3hb954fborbh8fr4ux