Robert E. "Bob" Baker, 72, passed away Saturday, October 3, 2009 in Abilene.  His funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, October 8, in the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South with burial following in Elmwood Memorial Park.  Visitation is from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM tonight, Wednesday, October 7 at Elmwood Funeral Home.

Bob was born in Marysville, Kansas on June 27, 1937, the son of Paul S. Baker and Tressa I. (Brolyer) Baker.  He spent his childhood in Marysville and Manhattan, Kansas and graduated from Boonville High School, Boonville, Missouri.  He joined the US Air Force in 1955 and served his country for over 20 years, including tours in Vietnam.  In 1967, he married Myrna Cline and they moved to Dyess AFB in 1971.  He retired in 1976 and remained in Abilene. In later years, he obtained certification as a commissioned security officer where he served at the Social Security Administration office, Taylor County Courthouse, Mesa Springs and Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

He was a longtime member of the Abilene Masonic Lodge 559, First Baptist Church of Abilene, and during the 1970s, he was an active horseman in the Abilene Saddle Club and Taylor County Sheriff's Posse. 

Bob was an old-fashioned gentleman who loved his family with all his heart.  He had a wonderful sense of humor; he made friends easily and gained respect from all.

He was preceded in death by Myrna (Cline) Baker, his parents, and his older brother, Lieut. William E. Baker, who was killed in Libya in 1961 while serving his country.

He is survived by his daughter, Donna Adair Price; granddaughters, Ashley Adair and Sarah Price; and grandson, Chase Price, all of Abilene; and his younger brother, Richard P. Baker of Manhattan, Kansas.

 In lieu of flowers memorials may be suggested to Alzheimer’s Association, North Central Texas Chapter, 301 South Pioneer Drive 79605.