1SG (Retired) Robert Gerald "Bobby" Baker, of Dixon, was born on January 31, 1963, at Owensboro, Kentucky a son of David Harold and Betty Lou (Campbell) Baker departed this life on Monday, February 10, 2020 at his residence. Bobby had attained the age of 57 years and 10 days.

Mr. Baker was united in marriage on September 22, 2001 at St. Robert to Lidia Eloisa Rodriguez. He was preceded in death by his parents.

At the time of his passing Mr. Baker was a Certified Kentucky Colonel; a lifetime member and past Master of the Waynesville Masonic Lodge #375 A.F. & A.M.; Valley of Joplin Scottish Rite; Shriners Abou Ben Adhem, Springfield; the Ft. Wood Pulaski County Shrine Club and life member of the AUSA and the Engineer Regimental Association.

In 1984, Mr. Baker began his military career in the United States Army and served his country until 2004 when he was honorably discharged at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. 1SG Baker was awarded and entitled to wear the Korea Defense Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Superior Unit Award; Army Good Conduct; National Defense Service Medal; the Southwest Asia Service Medal w/1 Bronze Service Star; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; the Humanitarian Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer's Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Kuwait Liberation Medal; Driver and Mechanic badge; Drill Sergeant Identification Badge and the US Army Gold Recruiter Bade with 3 Sapphire Achievement Stars. A man of excellent character, his "Honorable Discharge" is a testimonial of honest and faithful service to his country.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Baker include: his wife, Lidia Baker, Dixon; his children Andrew Baker, Waynesville; Austin Baker; Anthony Baker and Marquis Gantt all of Springfield and Briana Gantt of Africa; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Luis and Lastenia Rodriquez; his brother, David Samuel Baker, Owensboro, Kentucky; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many other relatives and friends.

Masonic services will held for Mr. Baker at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 14, 2020 under the auspices of the Waynesville Masonic Lodge #375 A.F. & A.M. immediately followed by the funeral service all in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Dixon.

Interment with full military honors will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery, Waynesville, under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Dixon. Pallbearers for 1SG (Retired) Robert "Bobby" Baker will be Gerald Jones, Bill Johnston, Paul Kelley, Gery Lewis, Tim Larrington and Bill Lindsey.

Memorial contributions are suggested by the family to the Shriner's Hospital for Children with envelopes available at the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Dixon.