George A Baldwin Sr.

Mr. George Adams Baldwin, Sr., age 89 of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away on April 8, 2023, at Auburn Ridge Living Center surrounded by his family. George was born on January 17, 1934, in Portland, Ore., the son of Chester Bebe and Alda Ethel (Adams) Baldwin. He was married to Marie Davis and to this union seven children were born. On June 9, 1984, he was united in marriage to Dona Kelley in El Paso, Tx., and they shared 36 years of marriage before her passing in 2021. Growing up in Washington, George was a 1952 graduate of Kelso High School. On March 3, 1953, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army and served in Germany during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged on May 15, 1958. He attended classes and graduated from El Paso Community College in 1974 with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Suppression. He retired as a Lieutenant from the El Paso Fire Department in 1988. George was a dedicated member of the El Paso Fire Union 51, Chaparral Volunteer Fire Department, Sierra Vista Community Church where he served as a Deacon and led life groups for many years, and most currently a member of Capital City Christian Church. In his spare time, he could be found outdoors in nature, just sitting and appreciating God's creation. George was an avid fisherman and hunter and loved to camp, birdwatch & spend time with family. To know George was to stand in astonishment at how he cared for people. He lived the following quote and taught it to his children which is evident in their approach to life, "There is always someone worse off than you, seek them out, and help them and by doing so, you will also lift yourself up." He spent his life devoted to brightening the day of others. He organized and operated a church food pantry out of his garage freely giving to those in need. Paraphrasing 2nd Thessalonians 3:10-12, George was consistently heard saying, "No worky, no eaty." He taught his family to be self-sufficient, growing their own vegetables and animals for consumption. George had such a positive attitude and wonderful sense of humor. He loved to joke with everyone and made it his mission to encourage people. He will be greatly missed by all those that had the privilege of knowing him. Survivors include: his loving children, George A. Baldwin, Jr. of Silver City, N.M., Randall Baldwin of Chaparral, N.M., Richard Baldwin and wife, Debbie of Greenwood, Ind., Dina Bentley and husband, Jeff of Chaparral, N.M., Janine Hollingsworth and husband, Dale of Jefferson City, Mo., Teresa Baca and husband, Frank of Las Cruces, N.M., and Kathy Schoenradt and husband, Roy of T or C, N.M.; 22 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; one sister, Muriel Davis of Lompoc, Calif.; numerous other loving relatives; and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dona; daughter, Vicki Halloran; son, James Kelley; granddaughter, Ashley Hopkins; and sister, Elizabeth Baldwin. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., May 8, 2023, at Sierra Community Christian Church in Las Cruces, N.M., with Pastor Rueben Ortega officiating. The family will have a private graveside service with full military honors. George will be entombed in Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, El Paso, Tx. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to your local food pantry in honor of George, who always said, "You are giving a hand up, not a handout."