Robert D. Baker

Robert D. “Bob” Baker, age 101, of New Philadelphia, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Hennis Care Centre in Dover following a brief period of declining health.

Bob was born on July 20, 1924, in New Philadelphia to the late Harry and Muriel (Ulrich) Baker, and graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1942. He was married to the late Treva Bair who preceded him in death on March 10, 1986. On January 15, 1989, he married Betty Lou Kohl, who passed on March 22, 2019.

He entered the Army in January of 1943, and served in Europe and Japan. He was honorably discharged in March of 1946. Bob was an associate of Hanhart Insurance Agency for thirty-nine years. He was a faithful member of St. Johns United Church of Christ in Dover, where he served as an Elder and member of Council. He was also a past president of the Dover Lions Club, and a retired member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary where he taught boat safety and piloting classes, and was the Commander of the Canton Flotilla. He was also a member and treasurer of the American Legion Post 205.

He is survived by his daughter, Joy Baker of New Philadelphia, and son, Mark (Sarah) Baker of Union, Kentucky; stepsons, Kenneth (Mary) Kohl of New York, and Peter (Janine) Kohl of London, England; grandchildren, Melissa (Dan) McPeek, Nora Kohl, Matthew (Elaine) Baker, and Kenneth A. (Slava) Kohl; great-grandchildren, Skylar McPeek, Makena McPeek, Augustus Baker, Owen Baker, Maxwell Baker, and Leo Kohl.

In addition to his parents and wives, Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Russell Baker, and sister, Marie Lemasters.

Bob's motto was to love everyone, and he believed that faith and love were his two biggest blessings. He never met a stranger, and always greeted folks with a smile, nod, and his signature wink. He could still be found at church services in his favorite pew at St Johns, and the family appreciates the visits and fellowship that his church family provided during his time at Hennis Care Centre. Those wishing may make contributions in his honor to the St. Johns United Church of Christ, 409 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the volunteers of Mobile Meals, the Veterans of New Philadelphia, the aides at Cornerstone who helped him live independently for so many years, and to the staff of Hennis Care Centre for their excellent care in his final months.

Per Bob’s wishes, cremation care has been entrusted to the Toland-Herzig Funeral Homes and Crematory in Dover. A graveside service will be held, and this page will be updated when services have been finalized. To sign an online guestbook for Bob, please visit the funeral home’s website.