Photo courtesy of Crofts-Crow Funeral Home - Johnson City
Johnson City, Texas
Jul 8, 1940 – Oct 27, 2025
Walter William “Bill” Baldree departed this world on October 27, 2025, at his home in Johnson City, TX, surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 8, 1940, in Albuquerque, NM, and raised by his loving mother Dessie Martin and Dad Roscoe Martin, Bill’s life was a testament to hard work, dedication, and a profound love for his family and community.
Raised in Monahans, TX, Bill briefly served in the U.S. Army before returning home to support his family during a time of need. Bill dedicated over 50 years of his professional life to the petroleum industry, initially with McCulloch Wire line Services and then with Western Atlas. He retired from the petroleum industry in June 2010 after a fulfilling career with Jarrell Wire line Services in Hobbs, NM. Following his retirement, Bill and his beloved wife, Melissa, relocated to Johnson City, where he continued to serve the community as a bus driver for the Johnson City Independent School District until his second retirement in 2020.
Bill is survived by his cherished spouse, Melissa (Hullum) Baldree; his two sons, Walter Baldree, Jr. and Michael Baldree; two sisters, Louise Smith and Elizabeth Sensabaugh, Brother–n-Law Tom Hullum; as well as a growing legacy of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He is also remembered fondly by numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Barbara Wilson, and brothers Gene Baldree and Gerald Baldree.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Crofts – Crow Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place on the following day, Friday, at 11:00 AM, allowing family and friends to gather in celebration of Bill’s remarkable life. Graveside services will then be conducted at Driver Cemetery in Teague, TX, at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Driver Cemetery Association in care of Donna Spaugh, 8300 Red bluff Road #817, Pasadena, TX. 77507.
Walter William Baldree leaves behind a legacy of love and service, and his spirit will continue to inspire all who knew him. May he rest in peace, and may we celebrate the many joyful moments he brought into our lives.
Read MoreBrother you and I were the youngest in our family and we had a very special relationship. I will miss you so much. Every day will be expecting the phone to ring so we can have our talk. I love you with all my heart and soul. It want be long that I will join you and our family in heaven.
Elizabeth Sensabaugh
November 27, 2025 | Irving, TX | Sister
Celebrate the memories.
Ernest Hauser
October 31, 2025 | Houston, TX
I love you Papa so much. I wish we had been able to spend more time together. I love you and will see you in heaven sooner than you know.
Shawn Slate
October 31, 2025 | Tulsa, OK | Grandchild
Papa Bill was the funniest, smartest, hard working man I’ve ever met. He called every birthday to sing me happy birthday and NEVER missed one. His last birthday he sung was to my daughter, his great-great-granddaughter. And I will forever be grateful for that. Rest easy papa, thank you for all the laughs and unconditional love. Kiss Nana for me.
Madisen Hatten
October 30, 2025 | Owasso, OK | Grandchild
BILL WAS LOVED SO MUCH AND WILL BE MISSED. NEVER AGAIN WILL WE HEAR HIM SING HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US ON OUR BIRTHDAY. WE HAD SO MANY MEMORIES OF BOWLING TOGETHER ALL THE YEARS UNTIL HE RETIRED FROM BOWLING, THE EXTRA LARGE SUNDAE SERVED IN RENO DURING ONE OF OUR MANY TRIPS. WE LOVE YOU AND WILL MISS YOU "BIG BROTHER". MELISSA, ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU WERE THE BRIGHT LIGHT IN HIS LIFE, HE LOVED YOU VERY MUCH.
Doug & Charlotte Martin
October 29, 2025 | Hobbs, NM | Friend
Melissa I am so very sorry for your loss.
Kimberly Eddy (Haertner)
October 28, 2025 | Kerrville, TX | Friend
