Robert ‘Bob’ Scott Baker, 79, passed away surrounded by family on Sept. 4, 2025, at Via Christi St. Francis, Wichita, Kan. He was born July 23, 1946, in Moran, Kan., to Clarence and Edith (Lantz) Baker.

Bob attended trade school after high school and worked as a barber, owning his own shop in Pleasanton. He worked many years in the oil field and worked his way up and retired at Harbison Fischer in 2005 in sales. He married Doneida Messick Jan. 25, 1970, in Claflin. They made Great Bend their home in 1973. He was a faithful member of First Christian Church, volunteering at the local food bank, and was a member of Masonic Lodge #15, serving in many roles, including master three times. He enjoyed fishing, sharing oilfield stories, tending to his garden, reading, and feeding birds and squirrels. But, above all, he loved spending time with his grandkids and great granddaughter and supported them in all of their interests. 

Bob was a hard worker in all sense of the word, took wonderful care of his family and wife, was a friend to everyone, and always ready to start a conversation with people. He didn’t always remember their name but no one would have ever known because he would visit and visit. He enjoyed watching the Chiefs and Royals play and rarely missed a game. He was an avid K-State, KU and Great Bend Panthers fan. His favorite teams were the ones his grandchildren were on. He was often seen spending days with his great grandaughter Anna, who he called “poodle-doop.” It was often joked that his favorite pastime was “organizing cars” in the driveway when family was in town. He enjoyed fishing with his son and grandsons and enjoyed retelling stories of fish he had caught. After his retirement, he enjoyed wintering in Mesa and camping at various lakes in Kansas. Many laughs were shared with his family and friends who’s time he enjoyed most. 

Survivors include his beloved wife of 55 years, Doneida Baker; son, Kyle Baker and his wife Stacy of Gardner; daughters, Carrie Beach and her husband David of Stokesdale, N.C., Michelle Mettlen and her husband Jeff of Great Bend; grandchildren, Alex Beach, Annika Beach, Makenna Park and her husband Tyler, Jayln Mettlen and her significant other Brenton Edwards, Ava Baker, Sophie Baker; great granddaughter, Anna Park “poodle-doop”; sister, Carolyn Himle and her husband Duane. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Beau Mettlen.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at First Christian Church with family receiving guests from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials have been designated to First Christian Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Rd.

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 6, 2025