March 5, 1934 - November 24, 2004

Funeral services for Robert E. Baker were held Saturday, November 27, 2004, at the Decatur United Methodist Church in Decatur, NE.  Rev. Philip Sloat officiated the service.

Robert E. Baker passed away Wednesday, November 24, 2004, at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha at the age of 70.

The organist for the service was Ethelyn Brewer and vocalist was Sonia Church.  Casket Bearers were: Steve Dye, Dave Dye, Jack Dunning, Gary Warren, Don Warren, and John Maryott.  Honorary Casket Bearers were: Tom and Norma Farrens, Gilbert and Kay Verbeek, Dwayne Haeffner, Clark Beck, Shirley Eagleton, Jackie Maryott, Jerry Maryott, William and Ida Marr, and Charlie and Georgia Redding.  Burial was in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Decatur, NE.

Robert E. Baker was born March 5, 1934, to Roy and Florence (Murphy) Baker in Decatur, NE.  Robert graduated from Decatur High School in 1951 and attended Dana College.

On May 21, 1955, Robert was united in marriage to Saranne Beard and they made their home in Decatur.  He owned and operated Baker Oil for many years, where he became known as the "tootsie roll man", and later joined Beck Oil Company.  After retiring from the oil business, he worked for the Burt County Bridge Commission, until retiring from this position in October 2004.  Robert also drove the Decatur School bus for twenty-five years, a job he truly enjoyed.

Robert was a member of the United Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge No. 31 and the Tangier Shrine of Omaha.  He served on the Decatur Board of Education for 14 years and on the Decatur Village Board for four years.  In 1978, he was appointed to the first Maple Villa Housing Board, where he served for several years.  Robert became an active member of the Decatur Community Club and was instrumental in the success of the annual Decatur Riverfront Days "Boat-in-Breakfast".