Robert "Bob" Steven Baron

Bob Baron August 6, 1939 – June 6, 2014 Robert "Bob" S. Baron, age 74, passed away from complications of surgery on June 6, 2014, in Lancaster, CA. Bob was born in Manhattan, NY on August 6, 1939 and had lived in the Antelope Valley for 50 years. Bob graduated from Youngstown University with dual degrees in math and physics. Being inspired by President Kennedy's quote, "We will put a man on the moon," he chose a career at NASA Dryden (now Armstrong) Flight Research Center and moved to Lancaster in 1961. "NASA Bob" dedicated 40 years of his life to NASA and worked on many historic flight projects, including the Lunar Landing Research Vehicle (LLRV) and the Space Shuttle. "Coach" Baron contributed 20 years to volunteering and promoting youth sports programs in the Antelope Valley, including hockey, baseball, softball, and football. His teams won many championships at the state and regional levels. Before becoming a coach, Bob played on NASA's Industrial League basketball and softball teams. Everyone knew him affectionately by his favorite nickname, "Pops." He was an avid Cleveland Browns fan for over 60 years. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church and a member of the Elk's Lodge #1625. Pops is joining his predeceased family; parents Matthew "Max" and Christine Baron and his sister Anne Baron. Bob is survived by his wife, Patricia (Gavin) Baron and her children David and Shannon (Killebrew) Gavin, Wendy Gavin, Kelly Cerda and David Melchor. Her 5 grandchildren: Tiffany, Brody, Christine, Colin, and Cameron, all of whom have been a joyful addition to his life. Pops is survived by his ex-wife Sally (Kopatich) Baron, of San Marcos, CA and his 2 children Sean and wife Linda (Reel) Baron, of Virginia Beach, VA and Cynthia Maevers and hubs Eric French, of Las Vegas, Nevada. Pops is survived by his 7 grandchildren; Rhett, McKenna and Shane Baron; Heather, Kagan, and Rhianna Maevers; Ethan French, and his first great grandson, Logan Rylee Maevers. Pops will be sadly missed by his family, many loving friends and associates, many of whom he has known for more than 50 years. Those who were privileged to work with him when he was a Project Manager knew him to be very energetic and quite "creative" in finding ways to get it done, despite the scarcity of resources. A service is scheduled for 2pm on Friday, August 22, 2014 at Father Serra Parish Catholic Church 42121 60th St W, Lancaster, CA 93536 (661) 943-9314 A reception will immediately follow the service in the hall. A Mass Intention is being recited for him at Sacred Heart Church on December 24, 2014. For more information, email [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in his honor, to the American Cancer Society. Condolences can be sent in Bob's name to Halley-Olsen-Murphy Mortuary 44831 N. Cedar Avenue Lancaster, CA 93534 Phone: (661) 942-1139, Randy As Pops would frequently say, "Outstanding!"