Robert L. Baker Sr., 89, of Columbus, passed away March 13, 2020 at his home. Robert was born August 3, 1930 in Columbus, the son of William and Edith Whitehead Baker. He married Helen Vallee in 1952. Robert is survived by his son Robert (Sue) Baker Jr. of Columbus; daughters Patti L. Taylor and Robin Baker both of Columbus; grandchildren Kendra Taylor, Nicole (Mike) Brown, Braydon (Isis) Taylor, and Derek (Kristal) Baker, as well as great-grandchildren Rylan Brown, Reese Brown, Miah-Rae Byrum, Reign Byrum, Hudson Taylor, Addie Taylor, Sophia Baker, and Emilee Baker. He was preceded in death by his parents William Baker and Edith Whitehead Rainwater; his wife Helen on December 25, 2008; as well as his brothers and sisters. Robert served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. When younger, he raced go karts and motorcycles. Robert was a member of the Stoney Lonesome Motorcycle Club, and loved his dogs, Cody and Tiny, as well as his cat Tommy. He loved aviation, was a licensed pilot, and enjoyed spending time at the hangar. A graveside service will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday March 17, 2020 at Garland Brook Cemetery with David London officiating. Military Rites will be performed by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the Bartholomew County Humane Society or Columbus Animal Control.

 

FUNERAL:  11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 3, 2017, at Edinburgh Apostolic Tabernacle, 701 S Main St, Edinburgh, Indiana, with Pastors Tim Streeval and Mark Myers officiatingCALLING:  4:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, June 2, 2017, at the church, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday BURIAL:  Daugherty Cemetery MEMORIAL DONATIONS:  Church of Jesus Christ, Center Street, Columbus, Indiana, through the funeral home Robert L. Baker, Jr., 89, of Edinburgh, Indiana, died May 28, 2017, at his home. Robert was born January 2, 1928, in Columbus, the son of Robert L. Baker, Sr. and Sylvia M. Graham Baker. Robert lived his entire life in Bartholomew County. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, Columbus.  He retired in 1990 after 43 years of employment at Reliance Electric. He was an automobile racing enthusiast, especially NASCAR Sprints. He enjoyed racing cars in the 1950's and 1960's at many tracks in Southern Indiana. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 3, 2017, at Edinburgh Apostolic Tabernacle, 701 S Main St, Edinburgh, Indiana, with Pastors Tim Streeval and Mark Myers officiating. Calling will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday, June 2, 2017, at the church, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will be at Daugherty Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Church of Jesus Christ, Center Street, Columbus, Indiana, through the funeral home. Survivors include a son, Dennis N. “Duke” Baker of Columbus, Indiana; daughters, Sylvia M. Oathout of Edinburgh, Indiana and Kathy (Michael) Ely of Pensacola, Florida; grandchildren, Joe (Christy) Dunn, Jason Dunn, Michael Ely, Jean (Danny) Wood, Sonja Turner, Valerie Turner, Robbie Turner, Dennis “Duke” Baker, Tonya Roll, Angel Dyette and Sebrina Roll; and several great-grandchildren.