Robert L. Baldwin, III

Robert Loflin Baldwin, III of Havre de Grace, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, died at home in the warm embrace of his family on September 25, 2011. He was 90 years old.

Mr. Baldwin was born at Perry Point, Md., the oldest son of the late Robert Loflin Baldwin Jr. and Laura Reed Baldwin. His childhood was very happy as he and his family enjoyed the thriving village at PerryPoint. Although it was at the time of the Great Depression, PerryPoint offered Mr. Baldwin the opportunity to spend many hours swimming, sailing, golfing and fishing. He had many fond childhood memories of friends and fun at PerryPoint.

Mr. Baldwin attended elementary school at PerryPoint and graduated from PerryvilleHigh School in 1938 and the next year graduated from Jacob Tome Institute in Port Deposit, Md. Mr. Baldwin next attended BeacomCollege in Wilmington, De. He began his government career with the U.S. War Department in procurement at Aberdeen Proving Ground working as a clerk typist from 1940-1942. Along with his brother Jack and sister Marie he entered the service of his country during World War II. During the period of December 1942 through January 1946 he held various assignments in the Army from rifle range instructor, infantryman, aviation cadet, completing his war time service assigned to the Office of Chief Engineer, General Headquarters Army Forces Pacific in the Phillipines. He was honorably discharged as a Technical SGT.

Mr. Baldwin was recalled to service during the Korean War from the period of February 1949 through May 1953 when he served in the Active Army Reserve assigned to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. He was honorably discharged as a Sargent First Class.

He and Betty Rose Smith married in DubinMd. in July of 1950. He sold his sailboat to buy her engagement ring. They first lived in Port Deposit Md. and moved to the Project in Havre de Grace along with many other newly married couples just starting out after the war. Together with the help of each of their brothers and with their own hands built their Better Homes and Garden Dream Home in Havre de Grace where they raised their family and remained for the rest of their lives. His wife Betty passed away in 1982 after a six-year battle with ovarian cancer.

He loved boating, crabbing and fishing. Throughout his life spending time with family and friends was very important to him and he took every opportunity to be in the company of those he loved.

Thanks to the GI Bill he attended JohnsHopkinsUniversity at night and graduated in 1963 with a Bachelors Degree in Accounting.

Mr. Baldwin was a life-long member of the Deer Creek Friends Meeting in Darlington, Md. He was a Third Degree Master Mason and a member of Susquenhanna Lodge 130 AF/AM of Havre de Grace. He was the Cub Master of Pack 967 in Havre de Grace, a Scout Leader with Boy Scout Troop 967, Chairman of the Combined Federal Campaign, and a Member of Toastmasters International Susquehanna Chapter (APG). He served on the Board of Directors and as Treasurer of the Young at Heart Senior Club of Havre de Grace. He was a member and officer of the Joseph L. Davis Post 47 of Havre de Grace, a member of Elks Lodge 1564 of Havre De Grace serving on its scholarship committee and for many years participated in the distribution of Christmas Baskets to the less fortunate. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8126 and volunteered for many years at PerryPointVeteransHospital.

Mr. Baldwin retired from Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. as a management analyst with 42 years of Federal Service. Mr. Baldwin's retirement years were happily spent golfing with friends, taking golfing trips to MrytleBeach, Sc. each year and participating in golf tournaments from which he brought home many trophies. He was a member of Ruggles Golf Course at Aberdeen Proving Ground and golfed until he was 89, he had said that he wouldn't be golfing at age 90 because 90 years old was to old to golf!

He is survived by his daughter Robin Baldwin of Alexandria, VA; his son William Baldwin and his wife Patricia of Havre de Grace Md., sisters Marie B. Wasem of Harwich, Ma. and Ruth B. Moore of Salisbury, Md. and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. His wife, parents and brother predecease him.

A visitation will take place from 6-8 pm on Thursday, September 29, 2001 at Zellman Funeral Home,P.A., 123 S. Washington Street, Havre de Grace, Md.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011 at Deer Creek Friends Meeting,1212 Main Street, Darlington, Md, officiating under the care of the committee of ministry and oversight.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Deer Creek Friends Meeting, c/o Henry S. Holloway, Treasurer, P.O. Box 415, Darlington, Md 21034.

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