Robert Munroe ‘Bob’ Baker
Robert Munroe “Bob” Baker, 94, of Bradenton, formerly of Holmes Beach, died Sept. 20 from complications of Lewy Body Dementia and cancer. He had recently been a resident of Discovery Commons at Bradenton.
He was born June 5, 1928, in Pittsburgh, the only child of the late Marion Munroe and John “Jack” Baker.
Following graduation from Pittsburgh’s Peabody High School, he was accepted into the Coast Guard Prep School in Groton, Connecticut, during the waning months of World War II. He was assigned to the personnel office, never seeing any combat.
On returning to Pittsburgh after the war, he received his undergraduate degree and MBA at the University of Pittsburgh.
Mr. Baker spent his career in corporate finance, working for several Fortune 500 companies, including Ford Motor Co. and Becton-Dickinson, living in many states and Mexico City. After retirement, he worked part-time preparing tax filings before moving to Bradenton. Here he volunteered his expertise at Roser Memorial Community Church and served as treasurer for his condominium association on AMI.
Mr. Baker and wife Carol, who would have celebrated their 40th anniversary in February, enjoyed traveling to family events and for holidays. They worked to create a sense of connection across the many branches of his family tree including several memorable family reunions.
His downtime passion was sports. He continued to play softball competitively, competing in the National Senior Olympics several times until sidelined at 90 by shoulder and knee pain.
A memorial service is planned for 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov 5, at Roser Church, 512 Pine Ave., Anna Maria. The family will greet guests at the sanctuary 2-2:45 p.m., followed by a service at the Roser Memorial Rose Garden. Friends are welcome at a celebration of life 4-7 p.m. at the American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24, 2000 75th St. W., Bradenton, for food, drinks and merriment.
Memorial donations may be made to Roser Church, P.O. Box 247, Anna Maria FL 34216; Southeastern Guide Dogs, 4210 77th St. E., Palmetto, FL 34221; Red Cross Hurricane Ian Fund, redcross.org; or a charity of choice.
Mr. Baker is survived by his loving wife Carol; children Richard A. and wife Diann of Snellville, Georgia and Katherine E. of Naperville, Illinois; Carol’s daughters Kathryn E Parmelee and Danielle of Baltimore and Sara E. Gustafson and Bill of Westlake Village, California; grandchildren John C. and Claire Ramsey, Elizabeth Baker-Head and Gabe, Caron Radachy, Andrew Shatrau and Grace Shatrau, Kallie and Kasey Gustafson; great-grandchildren Ian, Charlotte, Michael, Cassandra, Kingsley, Jonathan, Brittney and Conner; and great-great-grandson Jayten.
Robert Truman Barlow
Robert Truman Barlow, 82, of Bradenton and formerly of Anna Maria, died Oct. 3.
He was born in Utah to Thelma and Donald Barlow.
He was a longtime resident of Anna Maria Island and served as a city commissioner in Anna Maria before moving to Bradenton.
He was a homebuilder and was proud of his work.
He served honorably in the U.S. Army.
Service was private. Arrangements were by Shannon Funeral Home. Memorials and condolences can be made at shannonfuneralhomes.com.
Mr. Barlow is survived by sons Todd, Mark, Brick, Clay and Zak; daughter Emma Beeman; grandchildren June, Drew, Jack and Jack; as well as many friends.
Travis Johnson
Travis Johnson, 42, died Dec. 26, 2021.
He was struck by a vehicle on Christmas Day as he attempted to cross Manatee Avenue near Christ Episcopal Church.
He was born Feb. 5, 1979, in Sarasota to Melanie Woodland and Tim Johnson. He attended Anna Maria Elementary and King Middle School before the family moved from Anna Maria to South Carolina in 1991.
He graduated Hillside Christian School in South Carolina in 1996. In 1999, the family moved back to Bradenton and he attended Manatee Community College.
As a youth, he played Little League baseball, Pop Warner football, basketball and floor hockey. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, fisherman and surfer. In his early 20s, he played ice hockey with a traveling team. He also was a gifted artist.
He loved Anna Maria Island and the saltwater life and became a master at surfboard repair. He worked on crab boats and charter boats and had the experience of a lifetime working as a first mate on a private luxury yacht, traveling throughout the Caribbean and Virgin Islands for two years, often rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous.
Mr. Johnson also loved animals and animals loved him. He was often referred to as “the animal whisperer.”
He was kind and gentle, strong yet sensitive, compassionate and always willing to help someone. He was a Christian.
A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, with a reception to follow at West
Bradenton Baptist Church, 1305 43rd St. W., Bradenton.
Mr. Johnson is survived by his parents, Melanie and Tim; brothers Hunter and wife Lacie and Cole and wife Ariel; nieces Kara, Tanna, Lydda, Claire and Makkaya; nephews Cason and Cooper; cousin Jason Woodland and wife Meghan; Uncle Dale Woodland; and close friends and extended family.