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Robert and Diane Baker Obituary
Robert (Bob), a Vietnam Veteran, 72, was born in San Jose, California on July 30, 1951. Diane, 62, was born in Norfolk, Virginia on May 4, 1961.
Bob and Diane met in 1984 while Diane was attending nursing school in Elizabeth City, NC. Bob adored and entertained Diane so much that his great personality won her over. They were married April 19, 1986.
In 1987, they moved to Norfolk, buying the house next door to her parents where they lived together for 36 years.
Diane was a special member of the Sentara Fami-Leigh community where she began her career and worked in the Operating Room for over 37 years. In 2001, Bob began working there as a surgical tech, allowing them to work together until he retired in 2021. Bob also had a special place in his heart for medical missions and took annual trips to assist with surgeries in the Dominican Republic.
They were founding members of Real Life Christian Church in Chesapeake, VA, where they served faithfully. They spent their lives working with children and youth and enjoyed bringing vacation bible school stories to life. They both loved to sing, act, and make people laugh.
They loved to travel together, taking cruises, exploring new places, and enjoying beach vacations with their whole family.
They are preceded in death by their parents, James and Dail Johnson, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Baker, Sr. They are survived by daughters Christy Baker Miller (Daniel), and Sara Baker; son, Sam Eisenhuth (Sarah); her brother, Steve Johnson (Susan); her sisters, Sherry Johnson Maurice (John), and Vicki Knollenberg Cleavenger (Jim); his sisters Judie Bell (Robert), and Beverly Sivley; grandchildren, Jude, Ella, Titus, Moses, and Piper Miller; Alex, Michael, Emma, and Sophie Eisenhuth; special nieces and nephews, Michael Maurice, Katelyn Berry (Ryan), Andrew Knollenberg (Sarah), and Daniel Knollenberg. They were also loved by many great-nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at Real Life Christian Church on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 6:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mid-Atlantic Christian University General Fund (715 N Poindexter Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909; www.macuniversity.edu).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert and Diane Baker
Sponsored by the family.
Sherri Carter
January 22, 2025
Went to church as teenagers together and college. Miss your beautiful smile ! Sherri Carter
Suzanne Hamm
January 22, 2025
Still so hard to believe.
We remember you fondly.
Suzanne Hamm
Jan Davis (Lady_Aggie)
February 7, 2024
Deepest sympathy from her spades playing friends.
Mary Upton
February 3, 2024
Diane and Bob will be missed. They were a very special couple and I loved them.
Sherri Carter
February 2, 2024
I´ll always remember Diane´s beautiful smile !! Sending love and prayers to you all ! Sherri Carter
Attend celebration on-line Much love
Denise Hood
February 2, 2024
In loving memory of 2 wonderful people. I will love you and miss you always. They will be forever in my heart. Love peace and blessings to the family.
Worked with them in OR early 2007
Candy Hudgins
February 2, 2024
When I think of Bob and Diane I think of love, laughter, smiles and how beautifully they sang! Most of all I think about how much they LOVED THE LORD! They touched so many lives because of their love and service to the Lord! Heaven has two new amazing angels!
Karen Waldron
January 31, 2024
Words do escape me now. My prayers go out to their families. They are all oving people & God will see them through this sad time. They were very special people, leaving us way too soon in odd circumstances. There will be many missing them. Her sisters, especially, treasure your extra special memories of her & all the fun times you shared. She'll always be close...in your hearts. God bless you all.
Donna Gray
January 30, 2024
I am so sorry for everyone's great loss. I met Diane at Living Stones Christian Church. She was so kind to me and was so very helpful when I was visiting the church. May God comfort all. In Christ we serve..Donna Gray
Linda Mapp
January 29, 2024
I worked for the original Bay Disposal, Area Container and Incendere, Inc in the 80's and 90's. I was not a Christian at that time, far from it. I remember Bob Baker very well; he always had the light of Jesus shining. He was different then some of the other Christian's, he was always glad to see you, and welcomed you, when some Christians would be standoffish. He was a light in the darkness, and I have never forgotten his kindness. He was a God loving family man that touched many lives, like mine. I would like to offer my condolences to the Baker and Johnson family. May you find peace in knowing that Bob and Diane have not left us, they have just gone home ahead of us. I do not believe Bob ever knew I became a born-again Christian, but I do know I will see Bob when I get home, and he will welcome me once again. Well done good and faithful servant, dance on the streets of gold and bask in the light of our heavenly Father, until we meet again.
Linda Mapp
January 29, 2024
I worked for the first Bay Disposal, Area Container and Incendere, Inc in the 80's and 90's. I was not a Christian at that time, far from it. I remember Bob Baker very well; he always had the light of Jesus shining. He was different then some of the other Christian's, he was always glad to see you, and welcomed you, when some Christians would be standoffish. He was a light in the darkness, and I have never forgotten his kindness. He was a God loving family man that touched many lives, like mine. I would like to offer my condolences to the Baker and Johnson family. May you find peace in knowing that Bob and Diane have not left us, they have just gone home ahead of us. I do not believe Bob ever knew I became a born-again Christian, but I know I will see Bob when I get home, and he will welcome me once again. Well done good and faithful servant, dance on the streets of gold and bask in the light of our heavenly Father, until we meet again.
Ruth Prescott Clark
January 29, 2024
Although I did not know Diane well, I remember her fondly. In my mind she was one of Sherry Maurice's talented, kind, fun, pretty and faithful Christian sisters who visited us at Broad Creek Christian Church when I was a teenager. Along with Sherry and John (Johnny to me) Maurice, she was a light for Jesus in my youth. I greatly admire their whole family. My heart breaks for you all and I am praying you feel the peace from our Lord and Savior daily and always as you walk through this difficult time.
David and Brenda Hayman
January 29, 2024
So sorry to hear of Bob and Diane's passing. They were such joyful and faithful people! We are sending our prayers to the family. May God wrap his arms around you all and give you fond memories and peace.
Carol Lewis
January 28, 2024
I met Diane at Camp Rudolph many yrs ago.She was always smiling. May you all find peace .Both are with Jesus now.My prayers are with the families and friends.
Jeff and Debbie Marks
January 28, 2024
We are so grieved by the news of Diane and Bob´s passing. We know they are safe with our Heavenly Father, but no one was ready for them to leave so soon!!! May God comfort the family and dear friends, as we finish this life and look forward to the sweetest reunion that God promises His faithful servants!
God be with you, Jeff and Debbie Marks
Ben and Heidi Fredericksen
January 28, 2024
" For this reason we kneel before the Father in Heaven . . "
Praying God's strength for your family. Ephesians 3:14-21
Ben and Heidi Fredericksen
Wendy Guthrie
January 28, 2024
Diane was my Rook-playing partner throughout our college years. No one could beat us--except Barry McCarty and Johnny Pressley. We spent many nights playing Rook until the wee hours of the morning, and then we'd do homework. She and Kim were my next-door neighbors in the dorm. Together with Angela we were a mighty four-some. How thankful I am for her friendship and how terribly she will be missed. Heaven's choir just got a beautiful alto voice.
Kathy Freudenberg
January 28, 2024
So sad to hear this . I met Diane in church camp about 14 and she always was so nice and her smile was memorable . Peace with with you Diane and Bob
John Polakowski
January 28, 2024
Be in my prayers very sorry for your loss . Sincerely
Elva holley
January 28, 2024
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Suzanne Hamm
January 28, 2024
To Bob and Diane's family: I am blessed to have known these two for so many years. Thank God for our relationship through Christ.
When we all get to Heaven, what a Day of Rejoicing that will be!!!!
Suzanne Hamm
Robert McLaughlin
January 28, 2024
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Terri Bennett Oakes
January 28, 2024
I was blessed to meet and be in college with Diane. She has always been so special to me. What a beautiful picture of Bob & Diane. My heart is broken and broken for the family. Praying for you all.
Tracey McAdoo
January 28, 2024
Sending my deepest condolences to the family. Diane and Bob will be missed dearly by me, as they were my coworkers for 22 years. At work Bob would always make me laugh with his silliness and keep things light during difficult times. Diane would always keep me grounded and would put things in perspective for me. Bob & Diane were two of the most kindest, gentle people I have known. and they truly adored each other. Keeping all close in my prayers Tracey McAdoo
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