of Mountain, AR
February 7, 1925 - May 15, 2015
Obituary Rear Admiral, Robert Leon Baker, Medical Corps, United States Navy, (Ret)
Robert Leon Baker was born on February 7, 1925, in Oak, Nebraska, as the son of Oscar E. and Ada Veru (Davis) Baker. He was raised by Oscar E. and Merie (Mimi) Baker. He departed this life on Friday, May 15, 2015 in Mt. Home. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rebecca C. Baker, US Navy Nurse Corps Veteran.
He graduated from Mountain Home High School, and in February, 1943 he enlisted in the Naval Reserve as a Seaman Apprentice. He attended Hendrix College until July 1943, and under the V-12 Program and then transferred to Louisiana Polytechnic Institute where he received a Bachelor of Science with Honors in 1945. He attended the University of Arkansas School of Medicine at Little Rock where he received a Bachelor of Medical Science, and a Doctor of Medicine degree in 1949 with highest honors, and was commissioned as an officer in the Naval Reserve.
After graduation, he reported to Tripler General Hospital, in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he completed his Internship in July, 1950. In July of 1954, he completed his Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Naval Hospital, Oakland, CA. He served his 37 year Naval career at other Naval hospitals such as Naval Hospital Guam (Marianas Islands); Naval Hospital Great Lakes, Illinois; Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, NC; Naval Hospital and Naval Aerospace Medical Center, Pensacola; Naval Hospital Portsmouth, VA; and Naval Hospital Philadelphia, PA.
Dr. Baker held many leadership positions including Commanding Officer of two Naval Regional Medical Centers. He was selected as the Navy's first OBGYN Clinical Admiral in August, 1973. He retired from his Naval career in August, 1979, in Pensacola, and returned to Mountain Home, AR, to begin his OBGYN private practice, and finally fully retired in in 1996, after having delivered over 8,000 babies during his career.
He continued to serve as Medical Director of Hospice of the Ozarks for 12 years, and on the CARTI Board for over 10 years. Dr. Baker received numerous Military awards and ribbons, which included the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the National Defense Medal with bronze star. He was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and the Phi Chi Medical Fraternity. During his career he served on the Board of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), and is listed in Who's Who in America.
Dr. Baker loved to hunt and he killed his last 8 pt. buck from his wheel chair last year. Also, he loved fishing, photography, painting and most importantly spending time with his family and serving on educational and charitable foundations. Dr. Baker and Rebecca's dream was for all of their six children to complete college. This blessing was evidenced by the following: three doctors, one Master's in Nursing Sciences, and two teachers, both focused on elementary childhood education.
Dr. Baker was first married to Bettye Jo Hill, and they had three children. He later married Rebecca C. Baker, with whom he had three children. He is preceded in death by two of his sons, Dr. Jay Milton Baker in 2004, and Robert L. Baker, Jr. PhD in 2008, and one daughter-in-law, Laura C. Baker in 2015. He is survived by daughters, Rebecca B. Penski, and husband Bob Penski of Seattle, WA; Betsy B. Pepper, and husband John Pepper, of Carthage, TX; Captain Brenda C. Baker, NC, USN (Ret) of Jacksonville, FL.; and son, Captain Bruce C. Baker, MC, USN (Ret) and wife, Susan Baker of Oceanside, CA. His grandchildren include Kevin Keadle and wife Sally, Chris Keadle and wife Samantha; Michelle Allgaier and husband Dr. Brian Allgaier; Jennifer Anderson and husband Drew; Marissa Baker, Brandon Baker and Madison Baker. His great-grandchildren include Benson Keadle, Anika Keadle, Dylan Keadle, Ruth Anderson, John Christopher Allgaier, Rebekah Anderson, Evelyn Keadle and Rachel Anderson.
We would like to express our special appreciation of the professional dedication and compassionate care of the staff at Hiram Shaddox.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00, Wednesday, May, 20, 2015, at the First Christian Church, Mountain Home, AR. A visitation will be Tuesday from Noon until 9:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6:00 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Pallbearers are: Kevin Keadle, Chris Keadle, Drew Anderson, Brian Allgaier, Chris Carter and Patrick Carter.
Honorary Pallbearers are: Dr. Bruce Baker, John Pepper, Bob Penski, William Baker, Jay E. (Jeb) Baker, II, TC Carter, Buster Bodenhamer, Bob Bodenhamer, Steve Heckler, Dr. Bill Snow, Dr. Wayne Slone, Dr. Richard Burnett, Dr. Tim Paden, Jack Wilson and the hundreds of medical personnel, military and civilian, that Dr. Baker taught, mentored, and led.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to CARTI or Hospice of the Ozarks.
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29 Condolence(s)
CAPT Jack Baker, MC, USN Ret.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
I learned today of the passing of this great physician and Navy Medical Officer, who was my Commanding Officer at Philadelphia in the '70's. Leaders come and go, some good and some not so good. Bob was firm, happy, and very effective, definitely in the GOOD category. Peace, sympathy, and best wishes to his family.
Brian Geary
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Adm. Baker was not only a wonderful Mentor but a good Friend. When I met him in 1968 I knew there was something special about Dr. Baker. Not only was he extremely intelligent and a great teacher, but he had a wonderful sense of humor. His smile could brightened a darkened room.
Memories from Portsmouth, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Orlando and Pensacola will remain with me forever.
God bless you Adm. Baker and comfort your wonderful Family at this sad time.
Cindy Wolf-Tapang
Friday, May 22, 2015
Becky and family,
Deep condolences, I have such fond memories of visiting with you when my dad and you and Uncle Bob were all stationed in Great Lakes together. and then the family reunions you held on the mountain every summer were so much fun for my family and myself, we appreciate and love you,
Cindy Wolf-Tapang
Pat Lawrence
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Becky and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember taking care of Dr.Baker. I know he will be greatly missed. I'm sorry I missed his service. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Marcia Newton
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Ms. Becky, you and Dr. Baker were such a great team when he was practicing medicine and he was my Doctor. I am so glad we got to see him at Sneed Eye Clinic that day a couple of months ago. I really enjoyed visiting with you that day. I was sadden to hear of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Betty Dykstra
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Condolences for the loss of a great man and friend.
Love Betty
Eloise Dwyer
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Dr. Bob was a great man and example!
Heaven is a better place now and the angels are rejoicing!
He will be missed by all who ever knew him!
Becky, you are in my prayers.
love, Eloise and Melody Dwyer
Mike and Dianna Roller
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Becky,
We are so very sorry for you loss. I know Dr. Baker will be missed tremendously by all those who were fortunate enough to have known and loved him. You have our deepest and heart felt sympathy. Please accept our condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Your devotion to him was admirable.
Dr. Baker was a wonderful, caring man.
Sincerely,
Mike and Dianna Roller
Mrs. Emery Dean Curlee (Rena)
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Dear Ms. Becky,
I was saddened to receive the news of Dr. Baker's passing. I remember meeting you when I accompanied Dean on his visits to Mountain Home. And of course the last time I saw you and Dr. Baker was at Dean's service in Oct 2013. Dean shared with me his great love of Dr. Baker, their long time friendship and the wonderful memories he had of their childhood days together in Mountain Home. We have lost two wonderful men and I share your grief. I am sorry that I cannot be there in person to share a few moments together. God Bless you and your family.
Christie chamberlin
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
It was a blessing to have the chance to get to know you and your loving family... May god be with all of you in your time of loss
Mohler Family
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Ms. Becky, we are so saddened to hear of Dr. Baker. You both are very special in our hearts. He was always so kind to the girls and took a genuine interest in what who they were and who they would become. You both have shared a spiritual belief and love that has impacted our family. I remember the couple of times when I would try to play the organ Dr. Baker was always the first one up to my side to tell me what a good job I had done. (even though I hit a lot of wrong notes) He was a positive influence in my life as well as the entire family. He will always hold a special place in our hearts as well as you. Love and prayers- Sherry, Mike, Samantha and Mackenzie
Linda Sheffield
Monday, May 18, 2015
Mrs. Becky, I was saddened to read of Dr. Baker's passing. He was such a caring and professional doctor. I will always remember how kind both of you were to me and to our daughter over the years we came for our health needs. Will keep you and your family in our prayers. He will certainly be missed. Linda Sheffield and family
Justin, Jennifer, & Charlee Shrable
Monday, May 18, 2015
So glad to have had the opportunity to now Dr. Baker & Becky. Without them my sister & I wouldn't be here.
I'll never forget our last visit about a year ago to show off our daughter Charlee who was about 8 months old at the time. Dr. Baker lit up as soon as he saw her & especially when he held her. Becky, we love you; you and the entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary James
Monday, May 18, 2015
So sorry about Dr. Baker. Your devotion to him was admirable, Becky. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Karen Crawford Simpson
Monday, May 18, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Baker. My thoughts and prayers go out to Bruce and the rest of his family.
Bill, Nan, Aubrey, Ainsley and Ayden Baker
Monday, May 18, 2015
Aunt Becky, Becky Ann, Betsy, Bruce and Brenda, my family and I are very saddened to hear about Dr. Bob passing away. I could not have asked for a better man to have called my Uncle. His wonderfully witty personality will be dearly missed, as will his cocktails. I only wish my kids could have lived closer, to know what a sensational man Dr. Bob was to everyone he met.
All our love and prayers,
Sheila Middleton
Monday, May 18, 2015
So sorry to hear about Dr. bob. He was my Obgyn until he retired. He and Nurse Becky sure were a good team.
Allene Parnell
Monday, May 18, 2015
So Sorry. DR. BAKER was a wonderful DOCTOR and person. May GOD RICHLY BLESS . A BLESSING, TO HAVE KNOWN HIM.
Tom and Deborah Knox
Monday, May 18, 2015
Dear Becky and family,
It was with great sadness that Tom and I read of Bob's passing. We both loved and respected him so much. They don't make them like him any longer! We regret that we are traveling out of the country and will not be there for the service. You are in our prayers and we look forward to being in touch when we return.
Marilyn Smith
Monday, May 18, 2015
Sorry to hear of Dr,Baker's death. He was a caring doctor.My deepest sympathy to Becky and the family.
Kathi Jones
Monday, May 18, 2015
Becky,
The CARTI family mourns the loss of Dr. Baker. His guidance and friendship through the years have been invaluable to us. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kathi Jones
CARTI
Chris Dobson
Monday, May 18, 2015
I am sorry for your loss. He was a very kind person. Mrs. Baker you and your family are in my prayers. Love Chris
Paula Roddy
Monday, May 18, 2015
I thought the world of Dr Baker and his wife-I saw him as a patient a few times-much sympathy to all the family
Teresa (Langston) Conner
Sunday, May 17, 2015
What a wonderful person Dr. Baker was. He was an excellent physician who really cared about his patients. Through the years both he and Becky became like family to me and to many more I am sure. He will be missed but he has gone on to a greater place.
Anna Mae Holland
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Prayers go out to Becky and the entire family. What a wonderful person he was. A true example of a good man! He truly made a difference in the world.
Anna Mae
John and Jennifer Baron
Sunday, May 17, 2015
To the Baker family we send our prayers and love. Admiral Baker was a true American hero. His dedication and sacrifices for our country is so very much appreciated. God bless you all.
Dee Williams
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Dear Becky and Family....my favorite doctor is finally at peace and home with his Lord. There are not enough words to express what his, and your friendship has meant over the many years we have known each other. Please know you are, and will remain in my thoughts and prayers
Pete & Ellen MacKercher
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will always remember what a presence he was as "the admiral", with a big heart and someone who really cared and made a difference especially women's health. Such an honor to be called his friend. He is missed. All our love to you, Becky! You took such good care of him!!
Paula Bodenhamer
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Dear Ms. Becky and family - Praying for you - I have so enjoyed Dr. Bob and you. He was always fun, lots of good memories of hunting and hanging out