Robert L. Baker

Robert Lee Baker of Fredericksburg, TX, passed away on January 14, 2009 while undergoing heart surgery. Known as Bobby to all who knew him, he lived life to the fullest. Born May 27, 1929 to Grace and Lee Baker in Austin, TX, Bobby was a fifth generation Texan. He graduated from Austin High School in 1948 and attended The University of Texas. He served in the U.S. Army in the Korean Conflict from 1950 to 1953. Shortly after his return to the University, he met the love of his life, Ann Corn McAshan. They married in 1955 and shared a wonderful life together filled with laughter and adventure, and blessed with the love of a devoted family and many cherished friends. Ann and Bobby raised their family in Houston. Bobby was an independent oil operator and founder of the Cypress oil field in Harris County. He was honored to serve as a political advanceman from 1968 to 1974 for the White House and the State Department. They moved to a ranch in Gillespie County in 1985. Bobby was a lifelong member and supporter of the Gulf Coast Conservation Association (GCCA), and a proud member of Sons of the Republic of Texas and the Former Texas Rangers Association. He was a member of Tarry House in Austin and The Argyle in San Antonio, and a member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Fredericksburg. An avid golfer and sportsman, Bobby had a wide circle of friends of all ages whom he loved dearly. He enjoyed life to the fullest, and he will be remembered fondly for his hearty laugh, his ability to embrace life, his generosity and honesty, his dignified sense of fairness, and foremost, the many great times and joy he and his beautiful blue eyes brought to so many. We are truly blessed and grateful for having been touched by this wonderful man. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ann; his children, Harris McAshan Baker, and wife, Emily, and grandchildren, Reed and Sarah; Frank Matthews Baker, and wife, Robbin, and grandchildren, Caroline, Harris and Claire; and Louise Baker Weil, and grandchildren, Baker and Elouise; his sister, Ann Swanson of Lyons, Nebraska; and his nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Fredericksburg on Friday, January 23 at 4 p.m. Following the service, there will be a celebration of Bobby's life at the Admiral Nimitz Museum, 340 East Main Street. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 1700 Rutherford Lane, Austin, TX 78754; the Admiral Nimitz Foundation, 340 East Main St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624; or the charity of your choice.