Bobby Baker

Bobby Lee Baker, age 79 of Russellville, Kentucky passed away on January 17, 2023, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

He was born on February 28, 1943, in Hohenwald, Tennessee to the late Richard Lee and Mildred Thomas Harvey Baker. He graduated from Tennessee Tech and joined the United States Army. During his service, Mr. Baker was a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. During his service, he was awarded ten medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star.

After his discharge, Mr. Baker began his 38-year career in boot manufacturing. He worked the first 10 years here in Springfield with Acme Boot, and he then moved his whole family to El Paso, TX with DanPost. Mr. Baker finished his career with Lucchese Boot Company where he retired as the Plant Manager in 2008. During his career, Mr. Baker made many boots including boots for President Bush Sam Elliott, Wayne Newton, Dwight Yoakam, and Arnold Schwarzenegger to name a few, but he had the greatest pleasure in making books for his family.

Mr. Baker and his wife, Laverne, sold everything and bought a motor home to travel the United States with friends. They traveled down both coastlines stopping at the kid’s homes to visit. They would spend months at a time with each kid and then take off to find the next adventure. Mr. Baker loved Louie Lamour’s books and watching John Wayne films. He was a great dad and caregiver to his late wife when she got ill, and he loved spending time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Baker is preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Laverne Hattox Baker.

Mr. Baker is survived by his children, Christine (Jeffrey Williams) Milton, Cindy (William) Gower, and Richard Baker; grandchildren, William (Katherine) Gower, Jr., Jeffory Gower, Tyler (Felipe) Perez, Alyssa (Glen) Adkins, Megan Milton, Seth Gower, and Bailey Milton; great-grandchildren, Braison, Sparrow, Leo, Isla, Emmie, and Emma; sisters, Brenda (Dr. Charles) Hooper, Beverly (Patrick) Hanley and Debra (Alfred) Evans; best canine friend, Sara Jane.

A Life Celebration will be held on Friday, January 20, 2023, at Springfield Funeral Home at 1pm with Military. The family will receive friends on Friday from 11am until the time of service. Burial will follow later at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West. Online condolences can be sent at www.SpringfieldFH.com.

These arrangements were entrusted to Springfield Memorial Gardens, Funeral Home and Cremation Center: 4005 Memorial Blvd Springfield, TN 37172: 615-384-5437.