The couple met after Bob joined the Forestry Department at Stephen F. Austin University as assistant professor in January 1956. He had just completed all requirements except dissertation for his PhD from the New Your State College of Forestry at Syracuse. Mary Ann joined the Department as secretary after completing her BBA in August 1956 from Stephen F. Austin.

After their marriage, Bob continued to teach at SFA until January 1975 he joined the Forest Science Department at Texas A&M University. He retired from Texas A&M, August 2000, as professor emeritus.

They have one daughter, Allison, son-in-law, Mike Waters, and grandchildren, Julianne and Jack, who live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Bakers reside in Bryan.