Robert "Leon" Baker

Robert “Leon” Baker, 85, of Conover, passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday, December 30th, 2025 at Catawba Valley Medical Center after a long battle with leukemia and chronic illness. 

Born September 7th, 1940, he was the son of the late Leonard Eugene Baker and Ruby Hefner Baker of Conover.

From growing up on his family’s farm to many years working in the trucking industry with Overnight, Branch Motor Express, Carolina, and Yellow Freight until his retirement in 1999, Leon was a hardworking and caring son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Leon was a dedicated member of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church ELCA and he enjoyed fishing, camping, and gardening. As a farm tractor collector, he won several trophies in tractor pull competitions. In retirement, he made pottery, traveled in a motorhome camping club with Ramona, and doted on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as their beloved “Pop.” His gentle strength, kind and fun-loving spirit, and warm laugh will be always remembered with love.

Leon is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ramona Anne Lafone Baker; their children: Kristi Thomas (Terry), David Baker, and Matt Baker (Deloris); his sister Willine Austin, and brothers Seth Baker (Brenda) and Jerry Baker. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jennifer Jennings (Keith), Laura Thomas (Josh Whaley), Katie Ewing (Landon), Tara Thomas (Dillon Warren), Emma Baker, Maggie Baker, Caleb Baker, and Anna Baker; along with his great-grandchildren Landon, Elijah, Gabriel, Raelyn, and Della.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Kathleen Ikerd and Darlene Baker, brother Garry Baker, and brothers-in-law Clarence Austin and Zane Ikerd.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 7th at 2:00 p.m. following visitation from 1:00–1:45 at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church ELCA, 2259 12th Ave NE in Hickory.

Memorial donations may be given in Robert Baker’s name to the St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church

ELCA memorial fund or Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).