Bobby Joe "Pops" Baldridge

Bobby Joe "Pops" Baldridge, age 79, of Ozark, Missouri, went home to be with our Lord Friday, May 2, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born June 21, 1945, in Pharoah, Oklahoma to Wilburn and Leora Baldridge. Bob married his high school sweetheart,
Juanita (Morgan) on April 9, 1965. Together they raised three amazing sons, Paul (Amy), Steven (Melissa) and Shawn (Leisha) Baldridge.
Bob worked various trades including welding, teaching and preaching which allowed him to pastor churches in both Oklahoma and California. In 1987, Bob said to his boys, "Boys, we are starting a family band," which became known as Goldwing Express. Goldwing Express' popularity soared, and they began touring across the United States and Canada logging over 100,000 miles per year. They entertained crowds with their bluegrass/country music and "Pops" hilarious antics all while ministering to the hearts of many through their love of gospel music. They received many accolades throughout their career including Family Band of the Year (many times over), induction into America's Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame (NTCM Assoc.), and performed multiple times on RFD TV.
After the loss of the boys mother Juanita in 1999, the Lord led Bob to another beautiful lady, Joyce (Bond) Baldridge. They met in 2001 and were united in marriage July 22, 2003, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. They built a wonderful life in Ozark, Missouri, living on a 17-acre ranch with 3 horses and 3 mules. If you knew Bob, he was "not a farmer, I'm a rancher."
Baling hay and driving his John Deer Tractor were his favorite pastimes. He was actively involved with Ozark Full Gospel Church where he participated in church activities and led revivals. Bob gave his life to the Lord as a young boy, we know he now resides with his heavenly father.
Bob was preceded in death by parents Wilburn James and Leora Baldridge, and his siblings, Jemeta Heard, Rev. Haskell James Baldridge, Rev. Audy Baldridge, Fred Baldridge and Lois Walker.
Bob is survived by his wife Joyce, three sons Paul and wife Amy, Steven and wife Melissa and Shawn and wife Leisha; seven grandchildren Nick, Dillon, Delilah, Jacob, Olivia, Caleb and Duncan; eight great-grandchildren; brother Arvil Baldridge and wife Retha; and a
host of nieces, nephews and many other relatives.
Even though Bob now sings with the Angels in Heaven, he would want us to remember the happy times we had with him. Rest in peace Bob "Pops".
Funeral services for Bob will be held Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 11:00 A.M., in Ozark Full Gospel Church, 3081 Selmore Road, Ozark, Missouri with Pastor James Eakins officiating. Visitation will be held at 10:00 A.M. until service time in the church. Services under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at ww.barnesfamilyfuneralhomes.com.