Margean Ione Baldwin

Margean Ione Duncan Baldwin departed this life on September 5, 2025, at the age of 99. She was born on July 25, 1926, in Polard, Arkansas, to Chester Coleman Duncan and Mildred Deese Duncan. As a young girl, Marge moved with her family to California in search of a better life. She and her siblings shared a deep love for music and were naturally gifted musicians. Marge often recalled how they would play and sing for the local radio station each morning before walking to school. Her instrument of choice was the bass fiddle. During World War II, Marge exemplified the spirit of Rosie the Riveter, working as a skilled welder in the shipyards. It was there she met her future husband, Philex Baldwin, a sailor from Cross County, Arkansas. Together, they lived between Arkansas and California before settling permanently in California. They enjoyed frequenting flea markets and uncovering rare treasures, with Marge possessing a wealth of knowledge about antiques. After Philex's passing in 1994, Marge moved back to Arkansas to be closer to her son Ronnie and family. She made Wynne her home until a hip injury in 2023 led her to relocate to Johnson County Health and Rehab to be closer to her grandchildren. Marge was a passionate reader and continued to enjoy audiobooks after her eyesight declined. A strong advocate for women's rights, she deeply valued her right to vote and was known for her forward-thinking nature. She spent many years volunteering for the CrossRidge Community Hospital Auxiliary. One of Marge's greatest joys was dancing. Since returning to Arkansas, she and her lady friends rarely missed a dance, and she was famously known for twirling her walker to the music. She was a proud and fiercely loving mother and grandmother, and she was dearly loved in return. Marge was preceded in death by her husband, parents, daughter Sharon Baldwin Phillips, sons Felix Lorrley Baldwin and Ronald (Ronnie) Gene Baldwin, brother Therald Dean Duncan, and sisters Carletta Phillips, Bethline Hensley, and Josephine Bacci. She is survived by her brother Garnet Carl "Bud" Duncan of Sacramento, California; her grandchildren Larry Rushing, Steven Baldwin, Janet Raines, Vickie Loftis, Ronald Gene (Bo) Baldwin Jr., Michael Rushing, Barry Baldwin, Brittany Rodgers, Elizabeth Caprood, and Emily Breault; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and her daughters-in-law Martha Gahr Baldwin, Tarri Greenough Baldwin, and Tanya Kinman Baldwin. A graveside service will be held at Cogbill Cemetery on September the 20th at 10 am. Kernodle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. You may sign an online guest book at www.kernodlefh.com