Robert L. Baker, retired firefighter
Robert L. Baker, 82, of Milton, and formerly of Arlington, Va., passed away Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022, at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md. He was born Aug. 30, 1940, in Washington, D.C., son of the late Robert C. Baker and Bernice (Coryell) Lubbes.
Robert grew up in Hyattsville, Md., where he graduated from Northwestern High School and attended the University of Maryland. He enjoyed a lifelong career as a firefighter for the city of Washington, D.C., retiring as a battalion chief in 1988. Prior to his career with the D.C. Fire Department, he also worked for two years as a firefighter with the Bethesda, Md. Fire Department. Following his retirement, he worked as a commercial property manager for various property management companies in Virginia and the greater Washington, D.C. area before moving to the Delaware beaches in 2006. After settling in Delaware, he worked in the pro shop at Baywood Greens Golf Course. He was a lifetime member of the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Company, and a devoted member of the Bethel United Methodist Church. Robert had many interests: he enjoyed traveling, especially with the Shillelagh Travel Club, where he was a trip director; he was an avid golfer, and enjoyed going to baseball games and playing cards with friends. He loved to host events and parties, and making those around him happy. Above all, he cherished time with his family and was everyone’s best friend. Robert was a loving, devoted companion, father, grandfather, firefighter, and friend. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly Anne Baker; his stepfather, Herman Lubbes; and his stepbrother, H.O. Lubbes. He is survived by his companion of five years, Dr. Joyce K. Beam; his son, Craig Baker (Denise) of Olney, Md.; his stepbrother, Kirk Lubbes (Marjorie) of Williamsburg, Va.; his grandchildren, Lauren Baker and Tate Baker; and numerous friends whom he considered family.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 8, at Bethel United Methodist Church, 129 W. 4th St., Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will immediately follow the service at Bethel United Methodist Cemetery, Savannah Road, Lewes.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Robert’s memory to Bethel United Methodist Church, 129 W. 4th St., Lewes, DE 19958, bethellewes.org; or Heroes Inc., 1200 29th St. NW, Washington, DC 20007, heroes.org.
Visit Robert’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
