Robert Stanley Baker

BAKER, Robert Stanley, 78, passed away peacefully September 6, 2018, at home in Newark. He was preceded in death by parents Robert E. and Sara (Montgomery) Baker and parents-in-law Stephen and Ruth (Watson) Mills. Born in 1939, Bob spent his youth working the fields and roaming the woods of the Montgomery farm, a wedding gift to his maternal grandparents, at Alexandria. A childhood treasure of arrowheads he collected on the farm developed a steadfast interest in prehistoric and Native American culture. Bob graduated from Alexandria High School in 1957 and enjoyed lifelong friendships with fellow Red Devils. In later life, he was honored to be included in a short inspirational story written by a classmate. A passion for cars, an innate understanding of machinery, and an abiding sense of community spurred him to open Baker Automotive, Inc., the local NAPA store, with his parents in 1961. For 51 years he served as owner and operator, forever grateful to the people of Pataskala for their support and friendship. Sponsoring youth baseball teams, celebrating the annual street fair and serving as parade grand marshal were among his happiest moments. Bob was an avid fan of Ohio State football and an auto racing enthusiast. His creed was to live life in forward gear, pedal to the metal, never dwelling on what had been denied, but instead, focusing intently on the road ahead and an infinite array of what could be. Together with Alice, Bob gave the last full measure of his devotion to their beloved grandchildren. He is survived by loving partner and wife of many years Alice (Mills) Baker of Newark; daughter Leanna (Matthew) Handwork and grandchildren Madeleine Leigh and Alex Matthew, all of New Albany; brother John (Wendy) Baker of New Jersey; sister Martha (Robert) Enderlin of Toledo; one niece; and one nephew. Family will receive friends Tuesday, September 18, 6-8pm, and Wednesday, September 19, 12-1pm at Kauber-Fraley Funeral Home in Pataskala. A service celebrating Bob’s life will be held Wednesday, September 19, at 1 pm at the funeral home, with burial following at The Pataskala Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s name to any charitable organization of your choice.