WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Frederick C. “Freddy” Baldwin Jr., age 83, of Sturgis, passed away Monday morning, Dec. 9, 2013, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo.
He was born July 22, 1930 in Branch County, a son of the late Frederick C. Baldwin Sr. and Maybelle (Gintling) Parnin.
Frederick was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force for 20 years and served in Korea. He had been a resident of Sturgis most all of his life, except while stationed in Texas while in the Air Force.
On June 16, 1951, he married the love of his life, Mary F. Heitger, in LaGrange, Ind. She preceded him in death Aug. 29, 2001.
He retired in 1991 from Bank One, which was Citizens Bank and is now First MeritBank in Sturgis, after 24 years of employment.
Frederick so enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and also enjoyed the company of Laura, his dog.
He was a member of the Sturgis Moose, Eagles and American Legion. The second love in his life was bowling. He was a member of the Senior PBA and was awarded the first Dick Weber Sportsmanship Award given by the PBA to a senior who demonstrates the highest level of sportsmanship during the season. He is also in the Sturgis Bowling Alley Hall of Fame and continued to bowl up until a year and half ago, when failing health caused him to stop.
Surviving are a daughter, Sharon K. Smith of Sturgis; two granddaughters, Kecia (Paul) Hawkins of Marshall and Reesa (Jaman) Smith of Lexington, S.C.; six grandchildren, Alesha, Briana, Breanna, Kecia, Nicholas and Brandon; and four great-great-grandchildren, Kendra, Payton, Ariana and Daniel.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and a son, Michael E. Baldwin.
According to his wishes, there will be no visitation or services, as cremation has taken place. A private memorial service and graveside service will take place at a later date.
The family suggests memorial donation be directed to Animal Rescue Fund, P.O. Box 593, Centreville, MI 49032. Envelopes are available at Hackman Family Funeral Home — Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis, which has been entrusted with the arrangements.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
