Robert Carl “Rob” Baker, 76, of Lafayette, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 7:55 a.m. after a 6-year battle with ALS, that he took on, accepted, and lived his life to the fullest, with courage, grace, and his continued care of those around him.
Rob was born on May 6, 1949, in Logansport, to the late Carl and Mildred Million Baker. He married Carol L. Rowland, in Lafayette, on July 5, 1974, and she survives.
Rob graduated from Delphi High School in 1967. He then attended IU Fort Wayne for a year, before enrolling at the Indiana School of Mortuary Science in Indianapolis. After completing his degree in funeral service, he worked for a few local funeral homes before purchasing Carter Funeral Home in Flora in January 1974. He and Carol ran the business and served the Flora community for 37 years. “Rob was one of the most gifted Funeral Directors I’ve ever known,” said Carl Abbott. “His genuine compassion for the families he served helped so many at their darkest hour. He truly cared for all that came through his door.” He also was a salesman for Mann Chevrolet in Flora for many years. On December 30, 2009, he sold his Funeral Home to Carl Abbott of Delphi and remained working for him for the next five years at both the Delphi and Flora funeral homes. During this time, he and Carol moved to southern Lafayette and settled into their new home. Following this and never one to sit idle, Rob began delivering for FedEx and worked there for five years. He retired due to his health. While living in the Flora community Rob was active with the Flora Rotary Club, was a past president and a Paul Harris Fellow recipient. He also was a member of the Flora Lions Club and the Flora Community Club. He was a member of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association, chairman of the Carroll County Republican Party, Carroll County Coroner for two terms, and was a four-term Carroll County Councilman at Large, as well as past president of the council. A life dedicated to community and service. He and Carol were members of the former Flora United Methodist Church, and currently are members of the Sunrise Christian Reformed Church of Lafayette. Rob loved to work in his yard, keeping his landscape looking fresh and new. He was always tinkering in his garage and around the house and loved anything electronic. While he and Carol remodeled their funeral home, Rob became quite involved and helped with the construction on many of the big projects. Sometimes asking his dad for a hand and they would get it done themselves. Rob loved Purdue sports, his fur babies, especially his cats Boiler and Katie. Rob loved to travel, and he most enjoyed his trips out west in September with Carol to the Canadian rockies. Rob’s greatest love was for his family. He dearly loved Carol and the girls, his grandchildren and brother, with all his heart and soul. His deep seeded faith in the good Lord always guided and directed him throughout his life. He’s in a perfect body now, rejoicing with those who have gone before him, waiting to be reunited with all he loved. Well, done thy good and faithful servant, may you rest in peace.
Surviving: wife, Carol L. Baker of Lafayette; daughter, Kelly and Mike Walters of Fort Wayne; daughter, Jodie and Tim Lacey of Lafayette; daughter, Andrea N. Pfeiffer of Glen Ellyn, IL; brother, Ronald and Sharon Baker of West Lafayette; grandchildren, Kayla and Adam Miller, Madison and Luke Reidy, Jonah Lacey, Andrew Lacey, Benjamin Pfeiffer, Audrey Pfeiffer, Ava Lacey, and Jackson Lacey; great-grandchildren, Ezra Miller, Charlotte Miller, and Rosalie Reidy. Rob was also extremely close with his special nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Carol and the girls wish to sincerely thank his grandson, Jonah, for the genuine and special way he cared for his Papa. Always willing to come over in an instant and help where needed, with tender care and love in the most respectful way a grandson could do. They also wish to thank Homecare By Design and their staff that helped Rob: Alex, Alison, Whitney, Layna, and Madison. We truly and sincerely thank you for the care you gave to him. We love you.
Services: Rob’s visitation will be Friday, February 27, 2026, from 11 a.m. until his funeral service at 1 p.m. at Sunrise Christian Reformed Church, 909 E. 500 S. Lafayette, IN 47909. Pastor Randy Bergsma officiating. Burial at Meadow View Cemetery, Lafayette. Memorial contributions may be made to ALS Association-Indiana Chapter, 7202 E. 87th St., Ste. 102, Indianapolis, IN 56256. Envelopes will be available at the church, or you can send your contribution directly to them. To view his obit or send an online condolence to the family, visit: www.abbottfuneralhome.com
Abbott Funeral Home, Inc., Delphi and Wheeler Family Funeral Home, Baker Chapel, Flora, are assisting the family with arrangements.