Robert E. Baker

“America without her sailors would be like God without His angels.”

America has lost a sailor, but God has gained an angel. Robert “Bob” Baker, a proud veteran of the United States Navy, passed away on February 27, 2026.

Born on June 28, 1947, in Lexington County, South Carolina, Bob was the son of the late Mildred Shumpert Baker and Joseph William Baker, Jr. He attended Pelion Elementary, Airport Junior High School, and graduated from Airport High School with the Class of 1966.

Following graduation, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy. As a seaman, he saw action in Vietnam while patrolling the Mekong Delta waters with River Assault Squadron Eleven as part of Operation Giant Sling Shot. During one patrol, his boat was attacked. In recognition of his courage and actions under fire, the U.S. Navy awarded him the Purple Heart and the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V.” His citation noted that “Seaman Baker’s performance of duty, sense of responsibility and courage under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.” Following his honorable discharge, Bob returned home to West Columbia, South Carolina.

Bob’s strong sense of responsibility and service extended far beyond his military career. As a member of the Boy Scouts of America, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout — an honor awarded to top-performing scouts. While a student at Airport High School, he served Lexington School District Two as a student bus driver, an opportunity given to those demonstrating leadership and responsibility.

After his naval service, Bob began his career with the University of South Carolina, where he retired as Supply Manager of the Purchasing Division. In 1999, he was named the university’s Administrative Employees Club Employee of the Year. His nomination read, “His willingness to help others and the overall caring attitude that he demonstrates exemplifies the meaning of the term USC family. It is apparent that his honesty and dedication to USC are reflections of his character.”

Bob’s generosity and willingness to help others carried into his personal life. He was an avid fisherman and hunter who enjoyed mentoring those new to the outdoors. He loved hosting family and friends on his family land in Pelion, South Carolina, affectionately known as “Baker’s Acres.” He also enjoyed writing short stories about his family, preserving memories for those he loved.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred Shumpert Baker and Joseph William Baker, Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kathryn Bradshaw Baker; his son, Brenton Baker (Nikki); his grandson, Gabriel Baker; his brother, J. William “Bill” Baker (Hannah); his brother-in-law, Carroll Lindler; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he adored.

Funeral Services will be held 1:00 pm Tuesday March 3, 2026 in the chapel of Bush River Funeral Home with military honors and entombment to follow at Bush River Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends and family one hour prior to the service at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.