June 15, 1926 - July 22, 2010SOUTH BEND - Robert Owen Baker, 84, of South Bend, died at 11:10 p.m. Thursday, July 22, 2010, in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. Mr. Baker was born June 15, 1926, in Louisville, KY, to the late William L. and Margaret Genevieve (Mullen) Baker, and had lived in South Bend since 1968, coming from Cleveland, OH. On September 17, 1950, in Whiting, IN, he married Susan Plutko, who preceded him in death May 18, 2010. He is survived by two daughters, Roberta L. "Bobbi" Mercker (William) of Bourbonnais, IL, and Lou Ann Lewis (Ray) of Tallahassee, FL; one son, William F. Baker (Julie) of Grand Canyon, AZ; five grandchildren, B.J. Lewis (Tina), Cory Lewis, Matthew Mercker (Julie), Emily Mercker and Michael Mercker; and three great-grandchildren, Elijah Lewis, Grant Mercker and Henry Mercker. Bob Baker retired as the owner of Ideas, Inc. He was a devoted family man, cherishing Sue, his wife of 60 years, and his three children. His thirst for knowledge led him on a wonderful path through life. He spread those lessons to all who would listen and, in so doing, touched many lives. Bob was an accomplished engineer, teacher, student, mentor, friend and a sublime vocalist in his local chapter of SPEBSQUA and the Barbershop Quartet as well as the church choir at Sunnyside. His enthusiasm for life and the wonders all around us were a daily inspiration to us all. Thanks Dad, we will always love you and we miss you very much. A joyful memorial service will be held at noon on Tuesday, July 27th, in Sunnyside Presbyterian Church, 115 S. Frances St., with Rev. James B. Miller officiating. A luncheon will follow the service. Well-wishers are encouraged to meet with the family from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service in the courtyard of the church to share memories and stories. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sunnyside Presbyterian Church for Triumph House (Habitat for Humanity), 115 S. Frances St., South Bend IN, 46617; or to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637. Welsheimer Family Funeral Home and Crematory assisted the family with arrangements. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.