Robert “Bob” Blaker, 88, of Linton, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at his residence. He was born in Pontiac, Michigan on July 20, 1937, the son of Robert and Ilene (Taylor) Blaker. He had two sisters, Judy and Rosalie, and he was the middle child.

Bob was a 1956 graduate of Linton-Stockton High School, where he ran track for four years and held a Greene County record for pole vaulting for two of those years. Bob's father died in 1954 and his mother passed away in 1955, so he lived with his older sister, Rosalie until he joined the United States Army, serving from 1957 through 1963.

He married the love of his life, Rita (Halbach) Blaker, on December 7, 1963 in Marshall, Illinois, and they have been married 62 years. He was employed at Crane Naval Weapons Center until his retirement in 1988. He was a member of the Linton First United Methodist Church, American Legion #22, and Moose Lodge.

Bob enjoyed watching Indiana University sports, working on Sudoku puzzles, playing solitaire, snacking on Wendy's Frosties, and watching movies with his daughter, Lori.

He found his greatest joy in spending time with his family and going to his kids' and grandchildren's school events and ballgames. He also enjoyed taking his family on vacations to Disney World in Florida, the Smokey Mountains and the Country Music Fan Fair in Nashville, Tennessee.

Bob was a man of God and leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Rita; children, Michael (Rebecca) Peterson, Linda Floyd, and Lori (Kevin) McDonald; grandchildren, Aaron and Adam (Claire) Peterson, Leslie (Chet) Cooprider and James (Jillian) Floyd, and Jason McDonald and Kaylee (Jona) Odell; great grandchildren, Mason, Brody, Daisy and Ruby Peterson, James and Christopher Peterson, Cailynn, Cole and Cheslee Cooprider, Jaci and Jackson Floyd, and Lilly Marie Odell, due in October.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ilene Blaker, sister, Rosalie White, brother-in-law, Richard White, and son-in-law, Jim Floyd.

Special thanks to Misty Weaver, Tammi Blake, Heather Lowell-Pangallo and Zoeya Combs for taking care of our dad.

A funeral service to celebrate Roberts life will be held at Welch & Cornett Funeral Home at 1:00 PM on Saturday, July 11, 2026 with Reverend Rebecca Peterson officiating.

Burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery.

Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Linton First United Methodist Church, reflecting Bob's life.

Arrangements are entrusted to Welch & Cornett Funeral Home in Linton of Walton Funeral Service Inc.

Online condolences may be shared to www.welchcornett.com.