Randall Howard Baldwin

RANDALL (RANDY) BALDWIN, 76, died on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, surrounded by his family at Hospice Austin's Christopher House in Austin, Texas following a brief and brave battle with ALS.

Randy was born in Wichita, Kansas to Marguerite and Howard Baldwin. The family lived many years in Wichita, where Randy and his siblings enjoyed a carefree childhood that has provided many happy and hilarious memories. Randy completed one year at Kansas State University before transferring to the architecture school at the University of Texas (UT) in Austin when his parents and youngest brother moved from Kansas to Houston. Randy cites the warmer winter weather in Texas for his decision to apply to UT.

Randy had an extraordinary work ethic that led to a successful career, including work in the private, non-profit, and government sectors. His most significant contributions were to the lives of the elderly, those with special needs, and public school children. He gave decades of service to the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation and the Austin Independent School District, completing his tenure in 2016. One of the highlights of his career was working alongside his best friend, Curt Shaw, whom he met as an undergraduate at UT.

Randy was a faithful volunteer, delivering Meals on Wheels for over 35 years. He also received a citation for extraordinary donations over the years to the Austin blood bank, We Are Blood. In retirement, he made and delivered woven hot pads to residents of Community First Village until ALS cut this ministry short.

Family was Randy's highest priority. In addition to his late parents, siblings and extended family, he cherished his daughters, Carissa Baldwin-McGinnis and Zandra Baldwin Duke. In 1989 he married the love of his life, Nancy Springer, gaining another daughter, Kate Waitzkin, and son, Josh Williams. His ten beloved grandchildren have brought Randy his greatest joy. Randy was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) in February 2023, and declared that there was nothing he wanted to do with his time but spend it with loved ones. The family gave him their all for the last 8 months.

Randy's early faith was formed at Bethany Methodist Church in Wichita. In Austin, he was an engaged member of All Saints Episcopal Church for many years and most recently served on the outreach commission of St. Michael's Episcopal Church where he and Nancy have made their church home for more than 20 years. He prioritized and lived the great commandment; to love your neighbor as yourself.

Randy is survived by his wife, Nancy Springer-Baldwin; daughters Carissa Baldwin-McGinnis and wife Pamela, Zandra Baldwin Duke and husband Colby and Katherine Williams Waitzkin and husband Graeme; son Joshua Springer Williams and wife Bryn; Grandchildren, Kaylie, Braden, Hudson, Miles, Sage, Wills, Shields, Jaiden, Farrah, and Nori; sister, Lonna Turner and husband Ed and brother, Brent Baldwin and wife Shana; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and his first wife, Elizabeth "Betsy" Aylin. Randy was preceded in death by his parents, his sister-in-law, Saturnina Baldwin, and niece, Nina Jackson. His beloved older brother, Larry Baldwin, died peacefully in his sleep on October 4, 2023.

A memorial service will be held at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, in Austin, TX at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 9th. Following a reception at the church, interment will take place at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family is grateful to the loving and dedicated staff of Hospice Austin and Christopher House who ministered to him in the last days of his life. We also offer endless thanks to his friends who brought him chuckles and good memories. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Selah - Bamberger Ranch Preserve, bambergerranch.org/donate, or Hospice Austin, hospiceaustin.org.