Robert Basil Baldwin Jr.

Robert Basil Baldwin, Jr. Robert Basil Baldwin, Jr. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, the 3rd of May, 2008, at the age of 91. He was a native Houstonian born on the 14th of March 1917, to Robert B. Baldwin Sr., and Myrta Lynch Baldwin. He graduated from San Jacinto High School and went to the University of Texas at Austin, graduating in 1939 with a degree in Business Administration. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. After graduating from UT, Robert was employed by Humble Oil and Refining Company in the Treasury Department. He joined the US Navy as an Ensign in 1944. After the war he, with several associates, organized Delta Engineering Corporation in 1945 and became its first president until he ceased full time participation in the company to pursue other business interests in 1955. He was an officer and director of Waukesha Engine and Equipment Company in Denver, Co., and in 1956 he organized The Anlin Company of New Jersey, a sulphur recovery plant at Perth Amboy, New Jersey, and The Anlin Company of Illinois at Wood River, Illinois, serving as president and director of these firms. In 1959 and 1960 he became one of the founders of the Alaska Pipeline Company and Anchorage Natural Gas Corporation, distributing natural gas and servicing the Anchorage area. During this time he maintained an interest in banking, serving as a founder and director of the First State Bank of Bellaire and then becoming a director of the University State Bank. He was a founding member of the Board of Directors and Advisory Committee for the University Savings and Loan Association, a position he held until 1969. During his business lifetime he was founder, partner, president or director of 10 other companies in the United States and Canada, all of which he incorporated into a conglomerate called Alaska Interstate Company in 1966, which was listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and was Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 1975. In addition, he had companies in London, England; Tehran, Iran; Jakarta, Indonesia; and Mexico City. He was a member of the following social clubs - The Houston Club, River Oaks Country Club, The University Club, The Headliners Club in Austin, the Austin Country Club, Lakeway Yacht and Country Club and the Bridge Harbor Yacht Club in Freeport, Texas, and was a Life Member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He has been a past member of the Board of Directors or Advisory Board of the following organizations: Houston Grand Opera, Alley Theatre, Houston Symphony Orchestra, Houston Pops Orchestra, Homes of St. Mark and a Founding Director of Lake Travis Education Foundation. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother James C. Baldwin, and his daughter Linda Ann Baldwin. He is survived by his adoring wife of 39 years, Jacqueline; his son, Robert B. Baldwin III and his wife Jannis, of Austin; his daughter, Kimberly Baldwin of Houston; his granddaughter, Elizabeth Baldwin of Nashville, Tennessee; his grandson, Robert Davis Baldwin and his wife Donna, of Austin; his great-grandson, Robert Basil Baldwin, IV, of Austin; and a number of nieces and nephews. Following a private graveside service at Hollywood Cemetery, a memorial service will be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Friday, the 9th of May 2008, in the Old Church of St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston. All are invited to join the family at a reception immediately following in the Thomas Bagby Parish Hall. The family wishes to express special thanks for the great care given by Dr. Eugene Lai and to Mr. Baldwin's wonderful caregivers, Mrs. Carol Dimas, Ms. Jennifer Jass, Mrs. Ana Taracena and Mrs. Teresa Williams. In lieu of flowers the family suggests with gratitude that contributions in the name of Robert Basil Baldwin, Jr., be directed to the Care Team Ministry of St. Martin's Church, or the Alzheimer's Association, 2242 West Holcombe Blvd. Houston, Texas, 77030.