Robert Lee “Bob” Baker, Jr. was born on March 8, 1941, in Ancón, Panama to Robert Lee Baker, Sr. (1902–1990) and Francesco “Francis” Vagliente (1908–1988). Bob and his brother, Allen, spent their early childhood moving with their family to several places: Galveston during the war years, Massachusetts in 1943, and Germany in 1947. In 1952, the family settled in Houston, where Bob would call home for many years. It was there that he developed an early interest in rebuilding and refurbishing cars as well as amateur radio, which connected him with people around the world. At 15, he earned his Federal Communications Commission amateur radio license, demonstrating his knowledge of Morse code and radio communications.

At 24, Bob earned a B.S. in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Houston, followed by an M.S. degree in Engineering four years later. Bob subsequently pursued a Master’s degree in the Department of Biostatistics and Data Science at the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston. He was also recognized by the Alpha Mu and Sigma Xi engineering and scientific research honor societies.

For the next 42 years, Bob held executive positions at several prominent Houston healthcare organizations. At The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR), he developed software for hospital data systems that was used throughout the United States and Europe. His career later included executive roles at Baylor College of Medicine, Sisters of Charity Health Care System, and Obstetrical and Gynecological Associates of Houston.

Bob remained actively involved in amateur radio throughout his life, notably using his skills to assist the Houston community during Hurricane Ike in 2008. In June 2010, he became a member of the Army Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS), volunteering his time and expertise alongside the Lucas Fire Department to help maintain vital communications during emergencies and disasters. As an Army MARS member, Bob also contributed his technical knowledge to the development of software that enabled the MARS community to reliably send and receive critical information when traditional communication systems were disrupted.

Bob’s many interests, hobbies, and volunteer contributions continued throughout his life. He ran competitive marathons, took Harley-Davidson Road King trips, competed in skate dancing, taught himself classical guitar, played golf, branded cattle, and built and rode bicycles. He served as President of the Houston Moonlight Bicycle Ramble family event. He enjoyed studying the stars through his personal telescope, flying his Piper Cherokee 140, and competitive sailboat racing with Baylor physicians, serving as a jib trimmer aboard the winning “Hotsy-Totsy.” He also earned his scuba diving certification. Most recently, he enjoyed working on his 1960 Impala, 763 Cobra and 1941 WWII Willy’s Jeep and participated in neighborhood parades, proudly showcasing his Jeep.

However, Bob’s greatest passion was his family. He treasured the relationship he shared with his brother Allen, the lives and families of his three children, and the special bond he had with his six grandchildren. He created a home where his family would always want to come back for more. He built a treehouse and zip line, set up water slides and a two-story inflatable bounce house, created a place to shoot targets, and installed backyard cameras to capture the wildlife in the surrounding woods and creek. He grew fruits and vegetables, watched and fed the birds, and even set up a flight simulator. He taught his grandchildren to drive the go-kart and his John Deere tractor, helped them with school projects and math homework, and, perhaps most of all, loved watching them explore, learn, and discover the wonderful world around them.

Bob’s life reflected an extraordinary combination of curiosity, creativity, service, adventure, and, above all, love for his family and the people around him.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee Baker, Sr. and Francis Vagliente Baker, and his son, Kevin Baker. He is survived by his daughter, Bonnie Halka and husband, Thomas, and their children, Holly, Emma, and Andrew; his son, David Baker and wife, Robyn, and their children, Devin, River, and Brenna; and his brother, Allen and wife, Josie, along with their children and grandchildren.

For those who have asked how they can help with flowers and Bob’s memorial service, contributions may be sent via Venmo to Bonnie Halka @Bonnie-Halka

For those wishing to honor Bob’s memory in another way, the family suggests a donation to the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas, where Bob was a member. This organization reflects his lifelong curiosity and love of nature and wildlife. Donations may be made here: https://www.heardmuseum.org/donate/

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. 

Please use the folloiwng link to view the recording of the service: https://vimeo.com/1230012152?fl=ip&fe=ec&share=copy.

A reception will be held at 4:00 p.m. at the home of David Baker after the service.