Robert Ewell Baker Jr., 84, died Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, in Rogers, Arkansas.
A private family service is set for 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5 at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, 9501 159th St., Overland Park, Kansas.
Robert was born Nov. 14, 1933, in Leesburg, Florida, to Robert Ewell Sr. and Chrystelle Baker.
He graduated from Leesburg High School in 1951. He went to Florida State University before joining the United States Army, where he served in communications during the Korean War. After he was honorably discharged, he returned to Florida State University, where he studied accounting and finance and obtained a bachelor's of science degree in business in 1959.
He met his wife, Sue Marcotte, in Leesburg. They married June 7, 1958, and were gifted a 1958 Chevrolet as a wedding and graduation gift. They were later blessed with three children, Robert, Chris and Carol. Sue — a school nurse at Olathe North High School in Olathe, Kansas — preceded him in death in May 1995.
After graduation, Robert worked for Florida Telephone Company in Tallahassee. He then went to work for United Telecommunications in 1969, which relocated him and his family to Lenexa, Kansas, and later Olathe, Kansas, in 1974. Robert worked for United Telecommunications, later known as Sprint Corporation, until 1990 when he retired as Vice President of Revenues.
In 1997, Robert moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas, where he made his home until his death.
He was an avid golfer and golfed throughout his entire life. He was a huge sports fanatic, always cheering on his Seminoles, Jeff Gordon in NASCAR and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Sue (Marcotte) Baker.
He is survived by three children, Robert E. Baker III and spouse, Richard Redmond; Chris Shelton and wife, Katharine Ingalls; Carol Souders and husband, Joel; four grandchildren, Kate Shupert and husband, Chris; Braden Souders, Emma Shelton and Moreland Souders; one brother, James Baker and wife, Mary Lou; and one son-in-law, Greg Shelton.
Flowers can be sent to Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 14275 S. Black Bob Road, Olathe, KS 66062.
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