Birth date: Jun 15, 1932 Death date: Feb 4, 2014
Dr. Robert W. Baker, Jr., 81, died peacefully in his sleep February 4, 2014, following a heroic battle with cancer. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri on June 15, 1931. Bob attended Lee Elementary School, Central High School, Ya Read Obituary
I just learned of Bob's death. He was a great classmate of mine in dental school. While is school I was in a carpool with Bob and got to know him. I know he was a devoted husband to Cora and he often spoke of her. Unfortunately, I have not seen Bob often but it seems that time gets away. I will remember both he and his family in my daily prayers. I am confident he is now with God. Regards, John Haynes, Class of '60
All members of the UMKC dental community mourn the passing of Dr. Robert W. Baker Jr., a member of the DDS Class of 1960. On behalf of our faculty, students, staff and alumni, we wish to convey our heartfelt sympathies to Dr. Bakerâ??s family.
Mr. Baker was the most precious, nicest man I have ever met. He always had a smile and something funny to say. He was so kind. He loved my pecan pie and peanut brittle at Christmas time. Mrs. Baker, know that you and Mr. Baker meant so much to me and my family. You and Mr. Baker shared the joy of our daughter Amanda's wedding day. You blessed our children with gifts for their accomplishments. You always asked about each one of them. When I was broken-hearted you and Mr. Baker comforted and encouraged me. I could go on and on of your kindness. It has truly my privilege to have known such wonderful people. God bless the family of Mr. and Mrs. Baker. May He give you strength and comfort for the loss of Mr. Baker.Sincerely, Kelly Bundy
How my heart breaks for your loss, but what a life well lived. His humor and wit will live forever, along with the fact that he thought I had great teeth. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this time. All my best. Andy Bowen
Peace be with you and your family Dr.Baker, your life was filled with the kindest, most loving people we have ever had the pleasure to meet! R.I.P. Richard and Shelley Pason
Dr. Baker was my dentist for several years. He was always kind, considerate and thoughtful. Dr. Baker was a gentle person and a gentleman. I miss him as my dentist. My condolences to his family. Nancy L. Care
Dr. Baker was a great Dentist and always enjoyed life. He was the dentist for our family for years until he retired. His oldest daughter was my wife's Nurse's Aid in High School at Edison. We extend our sympathy to his family. John & Alice Powers, Minister.
To the family of Robert W. Baker, Jr.: My name is Susie Wiedemann, daughter of Carl and Mary (Canfield) Wiedemann. My mother was the dental assistant of the FIRST Dr. Baker DDS with offices in the old Medical Arts Building downtown. Mother decided to name me Susie because that is what she nicknamed every little girl at the office she told me. I remember the old drills, and then the water drills (pre-dated water lasers of now.) I also was patient as a teen of Robert W Sr. I went for a filling once and he told my mother I was sick. I think I was 10. It's the only time I ever went to a dentist and sat in the chair with a thermometer in my mouth. Oh yes, when Dr. Baker (older) retired, he gave his wooden dental tool chest to my mother. Daddy painted it gold and "spackled" it with black enamel. My mother (and now my sister Betty W. Smith ) used it for a sewing cabinet filled with spools of thread and loads of ribbons and accessories.God bless you and the entire family. We have very fond memories of them all!!Sue Wiedemann [email protected]
Was there ever a time when I didn't see a smile on Dr. Baker's face? I sure can't recall one instance. Growing up as next door neighbors was such fun. It was like having a wonderful extended family. Nancy, remember lip syncing to Sonny and Cher in our costumes and me in a fake mustache as Sonny (because I was shorter!)? Our parents not only sat through it, but laughed and applauded. I think I saw tears of laughter in your dad's eyes that night. Dr. Baker always had a twinkle in his eye and a kind word to share. What a lovely man, what an amazing husband and father.I know he is enjoying a great reward…and sharing a few laughs with my parents now. Much love to you all! Nancy Gallimore
Dr. B It is me your favorite patient you always said, Rev. Connie Murray Ichord, I am thankful I wrote you these thoughts when you retired, but this is for your 3 fabulous kids. In 1966 I found you through a friend. As one with no childhood dental care I was in terrible shape. I walked in and the older nurse with the cap had been your Dad's nurse at the Medical Arts Building downtown. I told her my Grandfather was a Doctor in that building. Moments later this older gentleman walked, out, Dr. Baker Sr. and ask me my Grandfather's name. Dr. P.G. Murray MD I said. "well, we were great friends and officed next to each other." I was then ready for the scariest appointment of my life. A tall, very tall, blacked hair, black horn rim glasses and handsome Doctor opened the door. He said, "come on in Connie." When you looked in my mouth you just smiled and said, 'well,we can fix all this." 3 months later, 18 teeth removed, crowns, partials I went back to my University. As I walked out you said, "now Connie, you open that smile up and you can do anything you want to do in life." 6 months later I was the Homecoming Queen at my University. When I wanted to be a female minister it was not the thing to do in those days, you said, "go for it. Do not let anyone hold you back." You were more like my mentor, my counselor, the person who encouraged me. You will always be in my heart forever. How can a dentist make a difference? You were more like a Minister or teacher to me. You touched all your patient's this way. When you called me actually weeping that your little precious grandchild died, I was so honored you ask me how to handle grief when a baby dies. Thank you for giving me a chance to give back to you.To your 3 kid's. Wow, what a Dad!!!! Every single time I came in I knew what you were doing and what stage you were in life. Now, may we all be better in life because Dr. Robert W. Baker, Jr. lived and walked this earth for 81 years. OH, HOW IT WOULD BE IN THIS WORLD IF WE WERE ALL LIKE SUCH A MAN WHO LIVED HIS FAITH IN OUR LORD. Thank you for sharing him with all of us who were his patient's. His legacy is: WHERE HE WALKED, THERE WAS NO DARKNESSRev. Connie Murray Ichord First United Methodist Church 918-8506578
