Robert A. “Bob” Baker, 90, died Saturday, November 25, 2023 in Fort Collins, CO. He was born December 16, 1932 Edward “Tinkham” and Bertha Baker in Bazaar, Kansas. He was one of four children. He spent his early childhood in Kansas, but later moved with his family to Texas. He remained in Texas to attend college at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas on a rodeo scholarship. Upon graduating, Bob joined the army where he served as a veterinary technician. While stationed in Colorado, he met and married Betty Stallard. They had three children together and were married from 1957 to 1972.
On May 18, 1973, he married LuJuana “Lu” Geist in Garden City, Kansas. They lived in Deerfield, Kansas with her four children. In 1980, Bob and Lu moved to Garden City before leaving for El Dorado, Kansas in 1983. After a short stay in El Dorado, they moved back to Garden City where they had lived since. Bob was a man of many talents and an excellent businessman. He and Lu opened B&L rentals which they operated for a number of years and later expanded the business to include B&L storage. Bob also served his community as a Finney County Commissioner.Bob loved to spend time with his family and friends and could often be found down at the Garden City senior center playing cards or snooker. He was also not shy in trying to beat anyone at a game of marbles.Bob was a beloved member of First Southern Baptist Church in Garden City and a strong man of faith. He loved his church family, serving in various capacities including a mission trip to Honduras.
Survivors include four children, Bart Baker (Ellen) of Dodge City, Kansas, Becky Moulden (Brad) of Monument, Colorado, Billie Casillas (John) of Phoenix, Arizona, Cindy Shields of Garden City, Kansas, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bob’s sisters, Clara Jo Talkington of Strong City, Kansas and Joy Nelson (Ted) of Cassody, Kansas are also survivors. Bob is preceded in death by his loving wife, Lu; his parents, Tinkham and Bertha; two sons, Jim Shields and Terry Shields; daughter Kathy Prentice; and older brother, Carl Baker.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at First Southern Baptist Church in Garden City, with Rev. John Harms presiding. Burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Garden City with military honors by Southwest Kansas Veterans Honor Guard. The family suggestes that memorials be given to First Southern Baptist Church in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com