Bobby Gene Baldwin's Obituary
A celebration of the life of Bob Baldwin, 74, of Longview, will be held at 1 PM, Thursday, February 26, 2009, in the Sanctuary of Oakland Heights Baptist Church, 1600 Judson Road, Longview, Texas, with Pastor Tom Roberson and Bro. Jack Fritts officiating. Burial will follow at 3:30 PM in Hill Crest Memorial Park, 501 Highway 80 East, Bossier City, Louisiana, There will be a visitation from 5:30 to 7:30 PM Wednesday, February 25, at Rader Funeral Home, 1617 Judson Road, Longview, Texas
Bobby Gene Baldwin was born in Bastrop, Louisiana on July 5, 1934 to Louis and Norma Baldwin, but after her remarriage, Roy Walsworth became his father. Bob passed away in a Hospice center on Monday, February 23, 2009, with his wife at his bedside. He had suffered from complications of heart disease and Parkinson's.
Bob has been a resident of Longview since 1975 after coming from Springhill, Louisiana, He was a graduate of Springhill High School as president of the Class of 1953. He then attended Southern State College in Magnolia, Arkansas, Mr. Baldwin had been very involved throughout the years in a great number of safety issues and levels having been certified in Rescue, Arson Investigation, Red Cross Multi Media Instructor, Tennessee Eastman Contractor Safety, Coastal Bend Safety Council, Houston Safety Council and the ABC Safety Council. Bob was a Certified Professional Trainer in Asbestos and Lead Abatement from 1984-1995 and held a state license in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Illinois. He also was federal government Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor.
Mr. Baldwin proudly served his country in the U. S. Army from 1957-1962 and received an honorable discharge as a Staff Sergeant. He was employed by International Paper Company and then Arizona Chemical Company. From 1975-1981, he worked for Crystal Oil Company, Longview Refining Company Division holding the titles of Process and Maintenance Forman, Maintenance Superintendent, Project Engineer and Assist Refinery Manager. He helped Merico Abatement, Inc. and Gregg Industrial Insulators in the development of it asbestos abatement program. From 1988-1995, Bob was employed by Brock Enterprises, Inc/Service Environmental Company holding many positions. He then became a Training Instructor part-time for Enviro-Con, Inc. in Houston.
Bob loved his church and his men's Sunday School Class where he was a member of Oakland Heights Baptist Church. He had served as Chairman, Buildings and Grounds committee and also served on the Kitchen Committee for several years. He loved working with the children in Vacation Bible School. Some may remember his warm smile and handshake as he served as Greeter for those who entered to attend Sunday School. Bob was also a volunteer for Longview Community Ministries and was a sub for Meal on Wheels in the past years.
He was an avid outdoorsman. He was particularly an A golfer and received many trophies throughout the years. So many his wife began to store some of them in the attic. Among his prized trophies are the ones in which he won while playing with his grandsons. He enjoyed deer hunting for many years, especially with his step-father and other family members. He enjoyed working in his shop, building blue bird houses, bird feeders and planters, just to name a few.
Bob was a member of the Civil Air Patrol where he helped coordinate many search and rescue missions as well as participate with the actual rescue mission itself and was credited for locating the downed plane.
Those left to treasure his memory are his beloved and devoted wife of nearly 31 years, Janiece Nichols Baldwin of Longview; daughters, Barbara McLawchlin of Monroe, Louisiana, Vanessa Scott and husband Bruce, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; Angela King and husband, Jody of LaPlace, Louisiana; and one son, James of Longview. His grandchildren whom he loved very much; grandsons, Brian McLawchlin of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 1st Lt. Aaron McKenzie, who proudly serves our country, stationed in Iraq and his wife, Lesli of Longview, Joey Dawes of Corpus Christi, Texas; Granddaughters, Kristi and her husband, Michael of Monroe, Louisiana, and Briana Baldwin of Longview; Great-Grandsons, Hunter Hudgens and his "Big Boy" Kade McKenzie, 22 months old and the light of his life, who gave him purpose these last months. Also left to treasure his memory is his dear brother, Terry Baldwin of Rogers, Arkansas; favorite uncle, Ray Whittington of Springhill, Louisiana; two sisters-in-law, Carolyn Gay and husband, Charles and Marie Keith of Longview; a step-sister-in-law, Darlyn Jones, also of Longview. He also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.
Those who preceded his in death are: his parents, a brother, Larry Baldwin and a sister, Eleanor Boots Butler.
Those serving as pallbearers are, Dickie Allen, Buck Fellows, Eddie Gibson, Ralph Greening, Derrell Murphy and Larry Risinger.
The family wishes to thank his doctors who have taken excellent care of him for many years; Dr. Ronald Scott, Dr. William Perkins ad Dr. Michael Morris. We also thank Good Shepherd Medical Center and all those involved with his hospice care during his very short stay at Beacon Hospice at Margaret's House.
It was his great desire to close his eyes and then open them to the bright lights surrounding the full Glory of God.
My darling husband, I am confident you have not been disappointed.
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