Robert Baker ’36 is remembered

KOKOMO — Robert E. Baker D.D.S., 97, passed away at 3:35 PM Friday in St. Joseph Hospital.
He and his twin sister, Roberta, were born on May 27, 1914, in Converse, to the late Tom and Jessie (Henshaw) Baker.

He graduated from Marion High School in 1932 and from Marion College in 1936. In 1938, Robert married Janet Shugart, and they were happily married for 55 years until her passing in 1993. Robert served in World War II with the U.S. Air Force from May of 1942 until April of 1946, and was honorably discharged, having obtained the rank of Captain.

In 1950 Robert graduated from Loyola Dental School, Chicago, and began practicing on the third floor of the Armstrong Landon Building in downtown Kokomo. He operated his dental practice for 37 years with the help of his loyal dental assistant, Elsie Condo. Robert retired in 1987 to lovingly care for Janet. He married his second wife, Marie Tolle, in August of 1999. She preceded him in death in 2001.

Robert was a member of Union St. Friends Church, which later became First Friends Church in Kokomo, for 61 years. He was a member of the American Dental Association, and other local organizations such as the Elks and the Izaak Walton League.

Robert enjoyed working with his hands. He was a mechanic of professional caliber who could fix anything and found fulfillment in repairing things for friends. He enjoyed woodworking and made beautiful furniture and doll houses. He created unique jewelry for members of his family.
Robert loved to hunt, fish, play cards, shoot skeet, bowl and travel. Robert always made time to attend his grandchildren’s activities. For 75 years, Robert looked forward to traveling to Elk Lake in Northern Michigan to spend every summer.

Robert is survived by his children, Mary Jane (Gary) Chenoweth of St. Louis and Janet Ann (Greg) Parker of Kokomo; his grandchildren, Rob (Natalie) Chenoweth, Joseph Parker, Amy Chenoweth and Christen (Ian) Sando; a great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Chenoweth; and two sisters, Roberta Larrison and Betty Carper. Other survivors include several nieces and nephews and a devoted friend, Robbie Brock.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his wives, Janet and Marie; and a sister, Ada Matchette.

Services are at 11 a.m. Thursday at First Friends Church, 1801 W. Zartman Rd., with Pastor Annie Glen officiating. Burial is at 2 p.m. in Grant Memorial Park Cemetery with military rites provided by the local VFW and Army representatives.

Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Ellers Mortuary Webster Street Chapel, 3400 S. Webster St.

Memorials may be made to First Friends Church.

Ellers Mortuary Webster Street Chapel handled arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.ellersmortuary.com

Provided by: Chronicle Tribune

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