Gary Austin Baldwin

Gary Austin Baldwin was born to parents Howard and Peggy Baldwin on June 22, 1945, at the Medical Hospital on Market Street in Warrensburg. He was joined just days later by lifelong friends Densil Allen, Janice (Austin) Barker, and Carl Schwensen at the same historical hospital in Warrensburg. He went home to the farm on "Route 2" and grew up in several homes on the family farm for almost 77 years. His final home he built in 1994 was the one he dreamed of having, built on the hill of some land with a beautiful view, the spot he scoped out and dreamed of from the time he was a teenager.
His brother Roger was born two years later, and for many years the family was in the livestock business, raising hogs, chickens, and cattle, with some crops raised primarily for feeding the livestock. Gary and Roger both dreamed of farming and raising more crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat over the livestock, and eventually, Howard, Gary, and Roger worked together beginning in 1967 purchasing and leasing more cropland to grow corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Life on the farm was fun and what Gary always wanted to do, and under the direction of Howard, it was hard work too. But all the hours and constant work paid off by being able to purchase several cars as a teenager, beginning with his first car at 14 that his father allowed him to get because he thought he would never get it running. With a little work and help from friends he had it running soon and drove it all over the farm! His interests besides farming were sports and anything with wheels, especially motorcycles and "hot rods."
Until eighth grade, he attended College High School, and for his freshman year, he transferred to Warrensburg High School, where his mother Peggy was a math teacher. This kept Gary on his best behavior…most of the time at least! It was there that he met his high school sweetheart Lorraine in 1960, and until his passing they were together for over 60 years, marrying on January 28, 1966, and celebrating their 56th year anniversary this year. They both graduated from Central Missouri State College in 1967 where Gary earned his B.S. in Business Marketing, and Lorraine earned her teaching degree.
Gary was blessed with finding the love of his life, Lorraine, but unfortunately wasn't as lucky finding good health throughout the years. He struggled for many years with various illnesses and injuries, all of which he managed and overcame. Many surgeries and injuries followed but he was a tough man, continuing to work hard farming and enjoying life, which he did with gusto! It seemed he was on the road to successfully overcoming his latest obstacle of pancreatic cancer that was discovered this past February. Surgeries and long hospital stays followed, but he simply couldn't beat this one, passing on June 4, in the comfort of his dream home on the hilltop. His wife, son, and daughter were at his bedside until the end.
Besides his love of his farm, he loved his family, first and foremost his wife Lorraine, son Greg, daughter Lisa, seven grandchildren and his first great-grandchild born this past September and he looked forward to seeing her and making memories, as well as watching his grandsons play sports and his granddaughters' dance performances as motivation to beat this disease.
He was so happy that he had achieved all his goals and wishes, successfully crossing off everything on his bucket list. He was especially happy in his semi-retirement, working when he wanted, and mowing everything he could, from the lawns at the home to keeping the fields mowed like lawns too. He also became involved in his newfound hobby of collecting diecast farm toys and cars. He was always on the road looking for a new toy tractor or car, and especially enjoyed driving his dream car while searching, his pride and joy Corvette z06 Supercharger. From starting with a '47 Chevy that wouldn't run to modifying his race-ready Corvette, he always had a passion for anything with wheels, including his custom-built motorcycle. He also loved going to the local races with his friends every weekend.
However, his greatest passion centered around his many friends, but most importantly his family, who will miss him greatly. Besides his wife Lorraine, who he adored with all his heart, he leaves his son Greg Baldwin and his daughter Lisa Phelps. His son's children, Elizabeth Willard and her husband Jonathan; Anna Clare Baldwin; Mary Grace Glunt and her husband Don; and Amelia Baldwin. His daughter's children, Kelcey Phelps; Colin Phelps; and Quinn Phelps. And finally, his great-granddaughter Georgia Willard.
He is survived by his brother and business partner Roger Baldwin, and his wife Connie. Also, his nephews Brent Baldwin, and wife Dana; and Darin Baldwin, and wife Hilary, and their children.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Peggy Baldwin.
A celebration of Life will take place on June 17 at Player's Ballroom from 5 to 8 p.m. Donations may be given to the First Christian Church of Warrensburg, Good Shepherd Hospice, Warrensburg, and/or Johnson County Cancer Foundation.