Robert “Bob” J. Baker, 76, of Beach City, Ohio passed away on Monday, September 5, 2022, at The Inn at Northwood Village in Dover, Ohio following a courageous journey with brain cancer. He was born at Union Hospital in Dover, Ohio on September 9, 1945, to the late Jay E. and Elizabeth “Betty” (Sigrist) Baker.
He grew up on the family dairy farm near Dundee. As a youth, he was a member and President of the Dundee 4-H Farmers Club, having shown Hereford and Black Angus cattle at the Tuscarawas County Fair.
Bob was a 1963 graduate of Garaway High School in Sugarcreek, Ohio; and a 1967 graduate of The Ohio State University in Columbus where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science. Following graduation from college, he entered a two-year program with the Peace Corps and went to India where he applied his knowledge gained in college. His primary work responsibility was in high-yielding varieties of crops and in all areas of agricultural extension, including advising farmers on improved seeds, fertilizer, irrigation, and plant protection measures. He was involved largely with the introduction of soybean cultivation and the utilization of soybeans as a source of protein to supplement their diet.
After returning home from India, Bob worked at Jeromesville Elevator for many years; and then became employed by the United States Department of Agriculture for 25 years, retiring on March 28, 2008. While working full-time, Bob was also a grain farmer and raised market pigs on the family farm.
In recent years, he enjoyed going to many car shows and winning trophies with his show cars. It was at these car shows where he made many new friends over the years. Bob lived his philosophy of life: “Life is what you make it”.
He was a member of the Dundee United Methodist Church.
Bob is survived by one brother and sister-in-law, Stanley and Karen (Mellinger) Baker of Dover, Ohio; cousins, close friends and neighbors. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alcid C. and Lenora (Fankhauser) Sigrist and George W. and Elnora (Haager) Baker.
Friends and relatives may call at the Smith-Varns Funeral Home, 115 Andreas Dr NE, Sugarcreek, OH, Thursday, September 8, from 5-7 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Smith-Varns Funeral Home on Friday, September 9, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastors Daniel E. Legg and William “Bill” Johnson officiating. Burial will take place in the Dundee Cemetery.
The family wishes to acknowledge the Staff at The Inn at Northwood Village and the Staff at Community Hospice Truman House for their compassionate care provided to Bob during his time as a patient – Thank You So Very Much!
Memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department, 7899 Cherry Run Road NW, PO Box 239, Dundee, OH 44624; or Community Hospice Truman House, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.
To send flowers to the family of Robert, please visit our floral store.
Smith-Varns Funeral Home
330-852-2141
www.smithfuneralhomesugarcreek.com