Robert Wesley "Bob" Baker

1926 - 2014

Robert (Bob) Wesley Baker, of Fairbanks, passed away in Hemet, California on Aug. 28, 2014. He was born Nov. 8, 1926, in Patmas, Arkansas, to Roy Nathaniel and Viola Baker. He was 87 years old.
Bob joined the U.S. Navy at a young age, and served in WWII in the South Pacific.  He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1947, serving a total of 20 years, 5  months.  His military career took him to many places in the world, including England, where, in 1950, he met and married Marion Woodward, his wife of almost 64 years. From England he was transferred to San Antonio, Texas, to Casablanca, Morocco, Eielson Air Force Base and Larson Air Force Base in Washington state, where he retired in 1965. After his retirement, the family moved back to Fairbanks, where he was employed at Fort Wainwright, retiring again in 1974.
Bob was initiated into the Masonic Lodge, Tanana No. 3, on Feb. 15, 1961, becoming a charter member of the Al Alaska Shrine Temple in Anchorage when it was created in 1976.
Bob loved to fly, hunt, fish and golf.  He was a civilian flight instructor and, along with other golfers, formed the Fairbanks Golf Association, where he was the first President. He finally got his hole in one at Camelot Golf Club in Mesa, Arizona.
After retirement Bob and Marion RV'd in the Lower 48 during the winter, where they were able to spend time with family, and returned to Alaska each spring.
He is survived by his wife, Marion, their four daughters, Darles Wilde, Oveta Pavelek, Linda Millimaki, and Roberta Mattice, two sons-in-law, Ralph Wilde and Bruce Millimaki, six grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren, and through them Bob leaves a legacy of love of family and friends. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Roy Nathaniel and Viola Baker, sister Clara Moss, and a grandson, Kevin Wilde.
A private service, with military honors, and interment will take place in October at the Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, California where Bob will receive a daily flyover. In lieu of flowers, donations to the VNAIC Murrieta Hospice at 39815 Alta Murrieta Drive, Murrieta, is suggested, as these caring individuals provided excellent care.  Bob will be greatly missed by all who love him.
An incomplete version of this obituary was published in the News-Miner on Sept. 22 and 23.