Steven Roy Baker

Steven Roy Baker

Steven Roy Baker, January 3, 1942 – June 9, 2019

Steve was born in 1942 to Clarice Brownstein King and James Baker.  He grew up with his beloved Aunt Gertrude (William) Gelfand and his cousin Laurie Gelfand.  Steve is survived by his son Mark Benz and his daughter Benicia (Michael) Baker-Livorsi.  He was a loving grandfather to Brooke Ante, Mark (Kara) Benz, Jr.; Katherine Benz, and Ervin Livorsi.   Steve was previously married to Shirley Benz and Patricia Baker.  He was preceded in death by his Wife of 38 years Susan Baker, his parents, and his aunt and uncle.  He will be missed by numerous family and friends.

In his midlife, Steve worked hard as an automotive parts sales representative.  Steve took his salesperson skills and his knowledge of the automotive industry to open Midland Auto Parts.  Eventually, Midland Auto Parts expanded to multiple locations and became Allsaver Auto Parts.  Steve loved being a small business owner but his personal health forced him to close the business. At the same time, he learned that he had an incurable disease that would rob him of all of his vision over the decades that followed.    Steve challenged himself and went back to school and landed a job at Citicorp in the computer information department.  He worked there until his physical health declined further and he went on disability.
Steve became an advocate for blind persons.  He was a former president of the Missouri Council for the Blind local chapter.  As Steve began losing most of his hearing, he became involved with the Helen Keller Center for deaf/blind individuals.  Steve steadfastly maintained his independence and continued living in his home until his death.
Funeral service Friday, June 14, 12:30 PM at Rindskopf-Roth Funeral Chapel, 5216 Delmar Blvd. with interment to follow at Beth Shalom Cemetery, 650 White Road.  Visitation with Steven’s family beginning at 11:00 AM until time of service.  Contributions in Steven’s memory may be made to the Foundation for Fighting Blindness, 7168 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 100, Columbia, MD, 21046. Please contact Rindskopf-Roth Funeral Chapel for more information and Shiva details, or visit www.rindskopfroth.com.