Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home

208 W Erie St

Albion, Michigan

Philip Baldwin Obituary

Philip Charles Baldwin Attorney Philip Charles Baldwin passed away in his home surrounded by loved ones on November 12, 2012. Mr. Baldwin was 88 years of age and is survived by his wife, Lynne Baldwin; his son, Richard Baldwin (Dafna); daughters, Elizabeth Wyble (Xelle), Cecelia Baldwin, Kathleen Baldwin (William Tomlinson), and Nancy Sherman (Lee); and step-children, Michael Fitzgerald (Lark), Joseph Fitzgerald (Yvette), and Andrea Fitzgerald (David Batterson); as well as 18 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Mr. Baldwin was born June 7, 1924 the son of Richard Taylor Baldwin and Harriet Elizabeth (Riddick) Baldwin Harrington. After graduation from Albion High School he attended Albion College, but left after two years when he was called to serve in WWII. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1943, eventually serving in the Pacific Arena as a B29 pilot. In 1944, he married Anne Hubbard and upon discharge in 1945 when the war ended he returned home to pursue a legal degree. He attended the University of Michigan, where he received a law degree as well as an honorary Doctorate of Law Degree. After graduation he opened a private practice in Albion, where he also served as the City Attorney. In 1954, he was called to service again for the federal government in during the Eisenhower Administration and was appointed to the Federal Civil Defense Mobilization office in Battle Creek, Michigan. Four years later, he was asked to serve as the Deputy and the General Counsel to the Federal Civil Defense Administration, which was based in Washington, D.C. There he played an instrumental role in the development of the first national civil defense plan. His expertise and knowledge of national defense legalities resulted in his appointment to the office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense under President Kennedy in 1961, where he worked closely with the President and with Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. But home and family beckoned and shortly after this appointment Mr. Baldwin left the Kennedy Administration to return to private practice in Albion. Before this goal could be realized, however, he was called back to serve at the President's side as a legal advisor during the Cuban Missile Crisis. While serving as a legal advisor during this conflict, Mr. Baldwin was one of the last people to meet with President Kennedy and Texas Governor John Connolly the night before the President was assassinated. Shortly afterward, Mr. Baldwin left the political arena and returned to private law practice in Albion. This provided him the opportunity to serve the community and his clients included various corporations, organizations as well as individuals in need of legal advise. For example, he served on the legal team that led the construction of the first domed sports arena in the country and suggested it be named the "Astrodome" after the dome in the cockpit of the B29s he flew in WWII. Many of his legal enterprises were high profile, yet Mr. Baldwin placed a high value on supporting the community he lived in. During the 60 years he practiced law in Albion, he helped countless families and friends who were in need of legal advice and service. Returning home also enabled him to spend time with his growing family. He and Anne raised five children and enjoyed numerous community activities. As a couple they were active Albion College alumni and as a family they were strong members of the First Methodist Church and were involved in numerous service and community organizations, including the Boy Scouts and he was an Active Rotarian. Anne passed away in 1989. A year later, he met and married Linda Dohn and together they have enjoyed a blended family of eight children and numerous grand children and great grand children. The Baldwins have pursued numerous civic activities, such as serving as hosts for the annual Albion Chamber of Commerce's Christmas Party as well as personal ventures such as cross country skiing, fishing, hiking and traveling. In addition to Anne, Phil is preceded in death by his brother Paul, his sister Ruth Mary and a grandson, Kyle Fitzgerald. Viewing will be held at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 208 West Erie Street, Albion, MI from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 16, 2012. Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 17, 2012 at Wesley Chapel, First United Methodist Church, Albion, with Rev. Jeremy Williams officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in Riverside Cemetery-Albion. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorial gifts be made to Oaklawn Hospice or the Albion First United Methodist Church Capital Campaign. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com

Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Nov. 14, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Baldwin

Not sure what to say?





6 Entries

Nancy and family- I am so sorry for the loss of your father. Are thoughts and prayers are with you and your family- though I know this is a bit late. I hope you are doing well. Carol Davis McKinney

Carol McKinney

November 30, 2012

Betsy, Celia, Rich, Kathy, Nancy,
Words cannot tell you how much your Dad and family meant to me. Your father was a remarkable man but to me he was just the kindest, funniest and most beneficent man in my life. The weeks we spent up north on Lake Michigan were the best of my teen years. I loved watching you kids grow up. Your parents included my two sons in vacations too and they still have great memories of Phil. My prayers and love are with you all and Lynne. Nancy

Nancy Hoover-Seydell

November 15, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Mr. Baldwin was a very dear man and a most beloved citizen of Albion. He rests peacefully in God's loving arms now.

Peggy (Wildt)Feldpausch

November 15, 2012

Xelle. our prayers go out to you and your father_in_laws family.may the good lord be with him.

john labun

November 15, 2012

my condolences to the baldwin family on the loss of your beloved father

pj aniello

November 14, 2012

Albion has surely lost a great friend who really cared about our town. We will miss him dearly.

Janice Goodale

November 14, 2012

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in Philip Baldwin's name

Memorial Events
for Philip Baldwin

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home

208 W Erie St, Albion, MI 49224

How to support Philip's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Philip Baldwin's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more