Robert Lee Baker's Obituary
Robert L. Baker, 81, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 in Fort Myers, Florida. He was born on May 19, 1943 in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Robert was a humble, kind, and hardworking man who devoted his life to loving and providing for his wife and children. He built a successful career of over 20 years working for the City of Fort Myers after offering 25 years of service to the Army National Guard.
Robert worked hard, but remembered to enjoy the benefits of his labor in time spent with his loved ones. He loved to go on cruises with his wife and their friends. “Jackpot Bobby'' was always trying his luck and winning big at the slot machines. As a “Papa”, he was a fiercely loyal fan of each of his grandkids, making every effort to be at anything they participated in: recitals, basketball games, football games, even bowling competitions. He made sure his grandchildren knew how proud he was of them for everything they tried.
After retiring in 2003, Robert purchased a cabin in Georgia where he lived seasonally with his wife Dafinka. Over summers, the pair welcomed their children and grandchildren to join them for the Fourth of July holiday. Rich summer memories were made when Robert and his wife filled that cabin with their loved ones: canoeing and fishing in the lake, hunting for “Bigfoot”, eating loads of boiled peanuts, panning for gold, and so much more.
Everyone around him simply loved spending time with him. He brought a safe presence with no lack of humor. There are countless cherished memories his loved ones share of just being around Robert, from going through his collections at his home to watching him crush a cajun steam pot at Joe’s Crab Shack. In all of his work to provide for his family, the greatest gift he consistently gave was his time. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and caring “Papa”.
Robert is preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Dafinka. He is survived by his brother, Wayne (Joan) Baker; five children, Lori (Tony) Atteberry, Kerri Fullon, Robbie (Shelly) Baker, David Baker, Amy (John) Lai; eight grandchildren, Amanda, Zachary, Braxton, Noah, Emma, Cayden, Amelia and Karli; as well as many extended family members.
There will be a visitation time on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 4:30-6:00 pm inside the Chapel at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33907, (239) 936-0555. A Celebration of Life service for Robert will begin immediately thereafter at 6:00 pm also inside the funeral home chapel.
For those who can not attend Robert's ceremony personally, the family invites you to watch his Memorial Service live over the internet by clicking on the following link (this link will become active approximately 5 minutes prior to the start of the service beginning at 5:55 PM.):-
https://www.econdolence.com/ezxhpbcc
Viewneral ID: 995 3827 5439
Password: 560079
.
In the spirit of Robert’s generous life, we ask that you would consider making a donation in his honor to Hope Hospice at www.morehope.org in lieu of sending flowers.
To share a story or photo, leave a tribute or to offer condolences to his family at this difficult time, please visit Robert's memorial webpage at www.fortmyersmemorial.com and sign his guestbook.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?