Robert Houston Baker, III, died on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, after a long battle with Post Polio Syndrome.
He was born on December 5, 1944, and contracted Polio at only six months of age. His parents, the late Robert Houston and Avis Baker, joined scores of other Madison Countians in the Shriners and Grace Club Auxiliary organizations to raise funds to build a Rehabilitation Center in Huntsville. Dr. Jonas Saulk’s vaccine was not available to the public until April 12, 1955, the year the Center was dedicated.
Bob never allowed his disability to define him, and attracted the attention of the Birmingham News when he took the field as a linebacker on New Hope High School’s first ever football team in 1961. His other sports included scuba diving and racing hydroplanes.
Bob also played first trumpet in the high school band, directed by the legendary Charlie Lyle.
Bob’s career consisted of work and co-ownership of Baker’s Hardware, Madison County License Department and management positions with Eckerd’s/CVS Drugstores in Florida.
Bob is survived by his wife of 41 years, Linda Y. Baker, son Robert Houston Baker, IV (Jennifer) of Phoenix, AZ, two grandchildren, Ryan and Harley, his sister Anna Baker Warren of Huntsville, his brother Steve (Gail) Baker of Owens Cross Roads.
Bob’s services were restricted to family only, at his request.
