Robert Baker

Robert Curtis Baker – “Bob” was born on June 23, 1933, and passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, in his home at Ashford Assisted Living in Draper, Utah. Bob lived a full and adventurous life. He started life at his grandparents’ home in Grand Junction, Colorado. He was the first born to the proud parents Martha and Rolla Baker. When asked about his birth he remarked, “I wasn’t very old when it happened.” He had three sisters, Helen Raymond, Dorothy Deffenbaugh, and Carol Sue Edwards.

Despite his humble circumstances, through perseverance, determination, passion, and a desire to improve himself, he became a man of principle, honor, and integrity. He would never ask anyone to do something he had not already done.

He excelled in school, skipping the third grade. He graduated from Hotchkiss High School in 1950. He continued to Colorado A and M (Colorado State University), where he was a member of the Chi Epsilon Fraternity. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Many years later and after much success as he worked in the engineering field, he wanted others to have the opportunity to find the same success. He set up a scholarship fund for those students pursuing the civil engineering program.

While at college, he enrolled in the ROTC program, which led to his service in the Army at the rank of lieutenant. Before going on active duty, he was hired by Chicago Bridge and Iron (CBI). He worked 36 years for CBI, with opportunities that took him and his family around the world. This inspired him to seek personal opportunities to travel around the globe.

After serving in the army, he moved to Salt Lake City and met his forever companion, Thelma Katherine Zimmerman. They were married on February 1, 1958, and had four beautiful daughters in five years, Karin, Debbie, Kathy and Lisa.

After Bob retired from CBI, he worked at Rocky Mountain Fabrications for five years and again retired. He then worked for Lynn Bigelow for fifteen years and retired several times before he finally and officially retired in 2017 at the age of 84.

Dad was baptized on January 14, 1995, into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their marriage was solemnized in the Jordan River Temple on July 2, 1996. He was a faithful member serving in the baptistry at the Jordan River Temple with his wife Thelma and they served together as English teaching missionaries teaching the Daily Dose program in Herriman, Utah. They had much success and served faithfully from December 2008-2010.

Bob was a skilled woodworker. He would ask family members what they would like for him to make. He thoughtfully and methodically planned pieces for the family members. Each piece he made and given have become cherished keepsakes for his family.

Some of Bob’s favorite things were fishing on the Grand Mesa in Colorado, woodworking, M & Ms, telling stories or a joke, traveling, Ole Mike (his pet dog), antique cars, Judy (his trike), yard work, corn on the cob, watermelon, and most importantly, his family. He found joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Above all else, he valued God, family, education, and hard work.

Bob’s parents, Rolla and Martha, and sister, Dorothy Deffenbaugh, preceded him in death. He is survived by his beloved wife, Thelma, and daughters, Karin (John) Orme, Debbie (Dan) Fauvell, Kathy (Ed) Burrows, and Lisa Ramos. Grandchildren Amber, Bryan, Nichole, Megan, Tyler, Ryan, Kaylee, Breanna, Michael and Ciera. Great-grandchildren, Grayson, Alora, Aiden, Logan, Payton, Ashlyn, Kai, Weston, Kingston, Anson, Taite, Gibson, Ella, and Carter.

We as a family, humbly thank those who in any way have reached out to our family with your heartfelt sympathy, good wishes and prayers. We are truly grateful and feel uplifted and at peace.

Services will be Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 11:00 am at Larkin Mortuary 1950 E Dimple Dell Dr (10600 S) Sandy, UT. A viewing will be from 9:30 – 10:45 am prior to the service.

Those wishing to watch the service via Zoom can click the “Watch Services” button above.