Robert "Bob" J. Baker Sr.

Lieutenant Commander (USNR) Robert “Bob” Joseph Baker, Sr. passed away on June 10, 2022 after a hard fought battle with kidney and bladder cancer and end stage renal disease. Bob was born April 10, 1945 to Benjamin and Helen (nee Martin) Baker, who preceded him in death. Bob is also predeceased by his infant sister, Brenda; brother, Paul; step-granddaughter, Tara Lianne Staten; step-great-grandson, Gage Mikel Staten; plus numerous aunts and uncles as his father came from a family of 10 siblings.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Julie Anne (nee Lowe) Baker; son, Robert “Bobby” (Sherri) Joseph Baker, Jr.; step-grandsons, Carlo Staten and Nickolas (Nichole) Staten; step-great-grandson Dominick Staten; sister-in-law, Barb “Sister” (Mark Wattwa) Dixon; nephew, William Dixon; niece, Stephanie (Keith) VanNess and great nieces, Madison and Mallory VanNess. Bob also leaves behind his extended family: Melanie, BJ, Kaylee and Eli Armfield and Cynthia “Grammar” Rodriguez, as well as DaVita Dialysis (Blood School) Team. His kindness, generosity and great sense of humor will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Bob left high school at the age of 16 to join the Navy and he proudly served his country for 28 years as a Naval Navigator. He was able to see more places than most people dream about and truly enjoyed his military career. Bob earned his Bachelor’s degree from SIUE, another benefit of military service. After retiring from the Navy, Bob taught computer classes at Belleville Area College (SWIC) then worked for the Department of Defense as a Network Engineer, again taking him to so many places around the world. Bob enjoyed reading and watching science fiction, war movies and playing computer games (the louder, the better) with Bobby, William and his online gang of friends.

Per Bob’s wishes, no public visitation will be held. He will be accorded rites of cremation then a private graveside service will take at Valhalla Gardens of Memory in Belleville, IL.

Memorials in Bob’s honor are appreciated to DaVita Dialysis in Shiloh, IL or to Hospice of Southern Illinois.