Bobby Gene Baker

Bobby "Bob" Baker passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 28, 2022 in Chico, CA. Bob was born in Cyril, OK on October 20, 1932, along with twin sister Tommie Rene Baker.

Born to William and Rosalie Baker, Bob was one of nine children. Migrating from Oklahoma in the 1930's during the Great Depression, their family settled in Wasco, CA. At the age of 14, Bob attended Wasco High School where he played basketball and eventually earned a scholarship to San Diego State University. Bob was a brother of Sigma Chi and graduated with a degree in History and General Finance. Bob met the love of his life Carol Ann Galusha and married August 1, 1954; they were married for 62 years.

Bob worked in banking for many years until 1964, when he and his wife Carol moved to the Willow Glen neighborhood in San Jose, CA. Bob worked in retail until he and his brothers started a Western Auto Store and a gas station. They also opened an Everybody's Furniture Store, but eventually Bob and his brothers opened their own furniture store. Baker Brothers (Bros.) Furniture opened their doors on May 1, 1969, to the Watsonville community.

With a mission to be a family business, Bob always believed in treating his customers like his family because if "you treat people right, you sleep well at night." The level of care and customer service Bob and Baker Bros. provided built a clientele of multi-generational family customers that patronized the Baker Bros. Furniture and Appliance store throughout the years. Bob served families and the community of Watsonville for 40 years until he retired in 2009. Debbie Baker (daughter-in-law to Bob) still owns and operates Baker Bros.

Coming from a small community in Wasco, CA, Bob and his brothers always believed that a small community that always tries to stick together will stay together. Over the years, Baker Bros. donated to Make-A-Wish, Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, ISTW Portuguese Club, Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce, American Red Cross, Girls Scouts, St. Patrick's Church, Rotary Club and many of the local schools and sports programs. Baker Bros. was recognized by the state of California and various furniture associations for community involvement as an established and long running business organization. Bob and Baker Bros. received the Business of the Year award in 2007 from the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to Baker Bros., Bob was also a partner for over 30 years in Mountain View Property Management, a Lake Tahoe, CA based property management company.

Bob and Carol traveled all over the world visiting Mexico, Europe, Brazil, Australia, Antarctica, and took many trip in and around the United States. Bob was a member of SIRS, San Jose Elks Club and the San Jose History Museum. Bob and Carol were members of Love Circle, a group for married couples for over 40 years. Bob was best known for his devotion to his family, strong business acumen, hilarious sense of humor, his love of helping people and Bay Area sports.

Bob was the last sibling in his family to have passed and is predeceased in death by his wife Carol Ann Baker, and sons David and Richard Baker. Bob is survived by his daughters Kathleen Baker of Live Oak, Lisa Atlas (Steve) of Chico, Christine Baker of Hayward, son Mark Baker (Susan) of Livermore, and Debbie Baker of Aromas. Bob is also survived by his eight grandchildren Jacob, Aimee, Justin, Rachel, Allison, Christopher, Grace and Aidan; and his six great-grandchildren Levi, Cheyenne, Remington, Citori, Adam, and Lucille Baker.

There will be a celebration of life memorial at 11 am on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at The First Unitarian Church located at 110 North 1st Street, San Jose, California. A luncheon will follow at the church hall.

Donations can be made to any local Watsonville or San Jose charity.

Published in The Pajaronian · August 24, 2022