Final Salute

Robert David Baker left this world on January 1, 2021. He was born in York, NE on May 7, 1948 to Robert E. Baker and Wanda (Kerwood) Baker. They moved to Cozad, NE and then to Burlington, CO when Bob was 7 years old.Bob graduated from the old High School in 1966. He enlisted in the Navy and was sent to train for the Seabees at Port Hueneme, CA and then Davisville, RI. He was stationed in DaNang and Antigua W.I. where he was honorably discharged in November 1969.In 1970 he moved to La Junta, CO and attended Otero College and received a two-year degree in Industrial Arts, then moved to Greeley, CO and received a BA in Industrial Arts at UNC. While in Greeley he began working for Wheeler Homes as Construction Superintendent, building homes in Greeley, Loveland and Fort Collins. He then started Baker Development, building custom homes.Bob developed a love for Hot Air Ballooning and became a balloon pilot. He started the Sweetheart Balloon Festival in Loveland and many more festivals around the country. In the late 1980’s he moved to CA and started building custom homes in Napa, Fairfield, and Vacaville, where he built his own home.In 2000 he reconnected with his High School sweetheart Jean Tallent. They married in 2006. Bob had a long-time interest in old cars and he had a black ’56 T-bird. When Jean came to CA they got a pink one and had lots of fun going to car shows. Then Bob found a ’50 Ford and he and friend Gil Baumgartner did a frame off restoration. Bob was so proud of that car. Bob was preceded in death by grandparents, Bill and Marie Baker, Orrie and Lillian Kerwood; and his father, Robert E. Baker. He is survived by his wife, Jean Tallent Baker; his mother, Wanda Lee (Bonnie) Baker; brother, Barry L. (Valerie) Baker; nieces and nephews. A memorial fund has been established in Bob’s name honoring the Seabees. Donations may be sent to the Bank of Burlington, 410 14th Street, Burlington, CO 80807.

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