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Robert John Baker

Robert John Baker, 58, of Edgewood, N.M., peacefully passed away at his home on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013, following a brave, two year battle with colon cancer.

Robert was born June 29, 1955, in Philadelphia, to Francis J. and Marcellina (Vaders) Baker. Robert lived in Edgewood for the past two and a half years. Corporate relocations have had him residing in Graham, Texas, Loyalsock Township, Pa., Clarkston, Mich., Lewisburg, Pa. and Chalfont, Pa. He married Patricia Horan, his devoted wife of 35 years, on May 6, 1978, in Horsham. Together they had and raised two amazing sons, Keith and Karl. These boys were his world.

Robert was a graduate of Pennsylvania College of Technology (formerly WACC). He was a General Manager for Karsten/Clayton Homes (a Berkshire Hathaway company) in Albuquerque, N.M., where he led over 150 employees by treating them with respect and the passion “to always do the right thing.” His career began in the building industry starting as a self-employed contractor. He also was proud to work for Toll Brothers, Inc., DKM Building Enterprises, Champion Enterprises and Avis America. He was a member of the N.M. Manufactured Housing Association, served on the Board of Directors for the PA Manufactured Housing Association, as well as the Blair County, PA Builder’s Association.

Robert was an avid outdoorsman with a special love for shooting sports. He was a member and/or served on the board of the NRA, the Whittington Center, Founders Ranch Shooting Range, SASS, Lycoming County Sportsmen’s Association, Warriors Mark Wingshooting Lodge, the Hollidaysburg Sportsmen’s Association and the Bucks County Shooting Club. Robert also thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, cycling and any other activity that would keep him in the great outdoors. One of his proudest periods were the years coaching both sons in Little League baseball and AYSO soccer.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Francis J. Baker. He is survived by his wife, Patti (Horan) Baker; sons, Keith Baker, of Burlington, N.C., and Karl Baker, of Belton, Texas, and Karl’s fiance, Melanie Gatlin; mother, Marcellina (Vaders) Baker, of Lawrenceville, N.J.; father-in-law, Francis X. Walsh, of Horsham; sisters Ginger Sayegh, of Margate, N.J., and Marcy Lewis, of Princeton Junction, N.J.; brothers and sisters-in-laws; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is planned for 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013, at St. Luke’s Memorial Episcopal Church, 1946 Welsh Road, Philadelphia (Bustleton), PA.