Robert Morrison Baptiste, 91 of Barefoot Bay, died Friday, April 3, with his family by his side.
He was born to the late Edward and Hazel (Williams) Baptiste on February 24, 1935, in Poughkeepsie, NY. Bob served 20 years in the Navy as a Seabee, a Chief Recruiting Officer, retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in 1974.
His tours included Cuba, Barbados, Newfoundland, and 2 tours in Vietnam. Bob worked as a contractor, car salesman, and included his own business Bob’s Aluminum Screen and Enclosures.
He married Anastasia (Neena) Codd on July 29, 1977, in Vero Beach, FL. They raised their family there, later moving to Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida. While in Tennessee, he built a beautiful log home in the country. They returned to Barefoot Bay in 2008 to continue enjoying retirement with family and friends.
Bob was best known for his infectious smile and sense of humor. He loved entertaining in their garage Tiki Bar (Bob’s Eastside Bar), enjoyed golfing and having a smitcher or two at the 19th Hole, and answering the call when Neenah shook her glass of ice.
Late into his 80s, Bob continued to walk 2 miles a day, stopping periodically to do push-ups. On Bob’s 90th birthday, he went skydiving with friends.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Anastasia, 6 children, Robert Baptiste, Donna Baptiste, Michelle Rasser, Kim Hockenberry, Elizabeth Brewington, and Brian Strnad; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Edward, mother Hazel, sister Hazel, brothers Edward, Warren, and Roger.
There will be a Celebration of Life, Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 3:00 to 8:00 at the D/E Building in Barefoot Bay. He will be laid to rest in Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the VFW of Sebastian, 815 Louisiana Ave., Sebastian, FL 32958. Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story is asked to visit Bob’s memorial page at www.seawindsfh.com.
He was good man. (Wink; Wink;)
