Jeffry Wayne Baldwin

Jeffry Wayne Baldwin, Sr.,70, of Westfield, Indiana passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 1, 2024, while cruising the Mediterranean Sea. Jeff was born at Camp Atterbury in Franklin, Indiana on December 2, 1953, to his loving parents, Wayne James and Sally Ann (Beurmann) Baldwin.

Jeff's upbringing was reminiscent of "Leave it to Beaver." He attended Sigsbee Elementary School in Grand Rapids, Michigan and was a Boy Scout from childhood into his teenage years. Family tradition and togetherness were fundamental to him. Jeff and his family spent the summers at his parents’ cottage in Grand Haven, Michigan. During deer hunting season, the men of the family enjoyed the wilderness at his parents’ cabin in Alpena, Michigan. 

When Jeff turned 18, he registered to vote. This was a pivotal time in history as the 26th Amendment changed the age to vote from 21 to 18. Jeff received a letter from Michigan Congressman Gerald R. Ford, commending him for registering. Jeff graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1972. He received his Associate of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from Grand Rapids Junior College in 1974, then his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Michigan State University in 1976. 

His career with General Electric Company began in the marketing department in Erie, Pennsylvania. Three years later, he became a Sales Engineer in Appleton, Wisconsin where he started his family. In February 1983, he moved his family of eight to Westfield, Indiana after GE was awarded the bid for the Hoosier Dome. He finished his 38-year career as an Industrial Sales Account Manager. 

After retiring in August 2014, Jeff focused on spending time with family and friends, and writing his spy novel while traveling the world. He was passionate about traveling, writing and history and took delight in learning new languages. He considered himself an adventurer, military historian, world traveler, novelist, and humorist. His travels took him to various destinations including Antarctica, Argentina, Aruba, Azores, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, Brazil, Caribbean, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Crete, Curacao, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Elephant Island, England, Estonia, Falkland Island, Finland, France, Germany, Grand Cayman Island, Grand Canary Island, Greece, Honduras, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Nicaragua, Netherlands, Panama, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay and Vietnam. 

Jeff loved his family dearly and had a “family first” motto. He enjoyed partaking in planning celebrations and holiday gatherings and perfected his stuffed mushrooms, green bean casserole and chocolate chip cookie recipes. Always eager to assist those in need, Jeff was thoughtful and intentional in his relationships. His greetings included a smile and a handshake often followed by a witty joke or compliment. His optimism, friendly nature and humor were among his best traits. 

Jeff was predeceased by his parents, Wayne and Sally Baldwin. He is survived by his six children, Caroline (Jerry) Hodson of Westfield, Laurie (Troy) Damalak of Sheridan, Merlin Baldwin of Sheridan, Elizabeth (Chris) Kizer of Westfield, Jeffry Baldwin, Jr of Sheridan and Kevin (Maria) Baldwin of Tipton; his eleven grandchildren, Kayla Damalak, Stephen Hodson, Sade Hodson, Sean Hodson, Joseph Baldwin, Emily Baldwin, Klayton Baldwin, Kaitlyn Baldwin, Kamryn Baldwin, Gianna Kizer and Rylan Kizer; one great-grandchild, Landen Mars; two sisters, Karen (Gary) Jones of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Shelley (John) Knox of Howard City, Michigan; the mother of his children, Lois Baldwin of Sheridan; several cousins, nieces and nephews; and countless friends he considered family. 

In place of flowers, the family asks that in memory of Jeff, you plant intentional Seeds of Love into your daily routine. Examples of the Seeds of Love that Jeff planted were: a genuine smile, a listening ear, a comforting prayer, a generous heart and kind words of encouragement. Everyone can sow Seeds of Love daily, regardless of their circumstances. It is about embracing every moment and looking for opportunities to give to others. 

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10 

Please join us in celebrating Jeff’s life.

Visitation is at Randall & Roberts Funeral Center, 1685 Westfield Road, Noblesville, IN 46062 on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 4:00-8:00 pm and on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 11:00 am- 12:00 pm with Service beginning at 12:00 pm

Burial at Hamilton Memorial Park Cemetery, 4180 Westfield Road, Westfield, IN 46062 will immediately follow the Service.

Condolences: www.randallroberts.com