Robert M. Baker

Robert M. Baker

Visalia - Robert M. Baker, 90, passed away May 5, 2018. He was a self-employed Citrus and Olive grower for the past 60 years. He owned and operated Robert M. Baker Enterprises, a turnkey Citrus and Olive Grove Service.

Bob was Born in Visalia, California during the last year of the Calvin Coolidge administration, received his primary and secondary education in Visalia during the depression years of Franklin Roosevelt, served in the US Navy during the Harry Truman years and farmed throughout the next 11 presidential periods.

He attended Ivanhoe Elementary, Visalia Union High School and the University of Nevada in Reno.

Bob volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy early in 1945, served at the Naval Ship Repair Unit on Guam. He attended several navel gun fire control schools, plus sea duty in the Pacific Ocean for several years. He was released from active duty in August 1949. Baker was recalled to active navy duty in July 1950 and served in Korean waters and the Sea of Japan for the next 16 months.

Since Korea, Baker has grown citrus nursery stock, commercially hauled oranges from the orchard to the packing houses, operated commercially a number of ranches for absentee owners and put together several citrus grove partnerships.

Bob was the son of Gus R. and Henrietta Hatch Baker. Members of the Baker Hatch family have served in the US Military during the American Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Indian Wars, Civil War WW1, WW2 and Korea.

Baker farmed in the Ivanhoe, Woodlake and Lemon Cove/Lindcove areas. His son, Mark Baker, is Ranch

field manager and son Mike Baker is owner/operator of Baker Toppers, Inc. which works the San Joaquin Valley-Sacramento Valley areas. Bob's wife Patricia is a retired school teacher who also owned and operated the Quilt store in Exeter. Daughter, Jill Maurer, is an R.N. Daughter, Sharry Mazar is a Controller and daughter Kathleen Rocha is a Medical Insurance Specialist. Bob has enjoyed travel with wife Pat to many countries throughout the world.

Baker was interested in Politics and a longtime supporter of Agriculture interests and the Republican Party.

Community Services have included: Ivanhoe Farm Bureau, Tulare County Farm Bureau, Citrus Section, Tulare County Pest Control District, Tulare County Cancer Society., Citrus Men's Club, Woodlake Rotary Club, St. John's Mutual Water Company, Ivanhoe Citrus Association,

Sun Pacific Citrus Exchange, Badger Association, Central California Tristeza Agency, Troop 12, Ivanhoe Boy Scout Adult Committee

Mr. Baker was proceeded in death by his brother Harry N. Baker, also an Ivanhoe farmer.

Bob will be greatly missed by his son: Mark Baker, daughters: Becky, Brook and Casey Son: Mike (Janet) Baker, sons: Bryce, Tyson, Jeremy, and Chris, daughter: Jessica Daughter: Jill (Bill) Maurer, daughters: Katie, Bonne, sons: John (Stephanie) and Kirk Step Daughters: Kathleen (Florian) Roach, daughter: Jennifer, T.J., Josh and Gracie Step Daughter: Sharry (Steve) Mezar, daughters: Sena, Johnathon, Magan (Steve) 12 Great Grandchildren, Nephews Scott and Greg Baker

Bob's family greatly appreciates the wonderful care given to Bob by Optimum Hospice Care and the Magnolia Park assisted living. In lieu of flowers one may desire to contribute to their favorite charity.

Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 12, at Visalia United Methodist Church, 5200 W. Caldwell Ave., Visalia, CA, 93277.